2025-2026 Academic Catalog

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Animal and Poultry Sciences (APSC)

APSC 1454 - Introduction to Animal and Poultry Science (3 credits) 
Survey of systems of livestock and poultry production including: concepts and terminology pertaining to management and marketing; types and breeds of livestock and poultry; and an introduction to nutrition, genetics, physiology, and management of beef cattle, horses, sheep, swine and poultry.
Corequisite(s): APSC 1464 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 1464 - Animal and Poultry Science Laboratory (1 credit) 
Management practices and concepts related to efficient livestock and poultry production and marketing are taught through demonstrations and hands-on experience.
Corequisite(s): APSC 1454 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd) 
APSC 1504 - Animal and Poultry Sciences First Year Experience (1 credit) 
Orientation course for freshman and transfer APSC students providing skills, resources and fundamental knowledge to enhance learning experiences and support success. Skills, resources, opportunities, curriculum, and career planning. Emphasis on inquiry, problem-solving skills, critical thinking and integration of ideas and experiences to encourage life-long learning.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd) 
APSC 1524 - Beginning Equitation (1 credit) 
Beginning work in equitation, the science of horseback riding. The five natural aids of the rider and rein aides. Secure positions of the rider’s leg and seat at the walk, trot, and canter. Basic leg and seat position for jumping. Concepts of horse welfare, health, behavior, and communication pertaining to horseback riding. The German training scale, including rhythm, relaxation, connection, impulsion, straightness, and collection of the horse. Use of small cavaletti obstacle courses to improve horse strength and straightness. Grooming techniques, hoof care, and tack conditioning for equitation horses. Position emphasis will be on the forward riding seat and elementary dressage movements. COURSE FEE $1,500
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd) 
APSC 1984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 2004 - Animal and Poultry Sciences Seminar (1 credit) 
Identification of primary and secondary career objectives for Animal and Poultry Science majors; planning for completion of a capstone learning experience in the major. Identification of curricular and extracurricular activities to increase career opportunities. Improvement of professional and technical writing skills applicable to the animal sciences field.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 1504 
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 1 Crd) 
APSC 2104 - Poultry Laboratory (1 credit) 
Anatomy and physiology of birds including species-specific specializations in anatomical structure and body composition, musculoskeletal, respiratory, reproductive, endocrine, digestive and urinary systems. Relationship of these concepts to growth and egg production. Includes handling live birds.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 1454 and APSC 1464 
Corequisite(s): ALS 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd) 
APSC 2114 - Livestock Management and Handling (1 credit) 
Safety in livestock handling; animal behavior; care, housing, and managerial practices related to beef cattle, sheep, and swine taught through experiential activities.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 1454 and APSC 1464 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd) 
APSC 2124 - Horse Handling Practicum (2 credits) 
Stable management, haltering and leading horses, equine vital signs, and hoof care. Identification of horses by coat colors and markings. Breed characteristics of horses. Equine behaviors. Types and amounts of feed and forages commonly fed to horses. Anatomical parts of the horse. Careers in the horse industry and sports in which horses participate. Involvement with daily management and handling of the campus equitation and breeding horses.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 3 Lab, 2 Crd) 
APSC 2164 - Companion and Laboratory Animal Care and Handling (1 credit) 
Brief history of companion and laboratory animals. Outline of the major anatomical and physiological characteristics, first aid and basic care. Principles of husbandry and handling techniques. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee training.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 1454 and APSC 1464 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lab, 1 Crd) 
APSC 2424 - Introduction to the Equine Industry (3 credits) 
Introduction to the horse and equine industry. Survey of breeds and conformation; breeding, management, equipment, facilities, and marketing of the successful horse operation.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 2524 - Intermediate Equitation (1 credit) 
Intermediate work in horseback riding with special emphasis on development of the forward seat and skills required for jumping. Elementary dressage movements. COURSE FEE: $1,500.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 1624 
Instructional Contact Hours: (4 Lab, 1 Crd) 
APSC 2574 - Domesticated Animal Behavior (3 credits) 
Behavioral systems, social behavior, learning, and cognition of domesticated animals. Ethological and psychological approaches to, and ultimate and proximate methods of, studying behavior. Evolutionary processes and natural selection, genetics and epigenetics, and neural and physiological mechanisms of behavior.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 1454 or BIOL 1105 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 2624 - Beginning Equitation Over Fences (1 credit) 
Introduction of jumping skills for the unskilled as well as review of jumping skills for experienced riders. Rider should have skills at trot and canter. COURSE FEE: $1,500.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 2524 
Instructional Contact Hours: (4 Lab, 1 Crd) 
APSC 2714 - Design of Precision Animal Agricultural Systems (3 credits) 
​Design methods, interpretation, and historical context of precision animal agriculture systems, including technologies, networking, sensors, and data analytics. Elements of animal production systems designed with precision animal agriculture technologies. Advantages and disadvantages of traditional and technology-enhanced production systems. Impacts of precision system design on economics and environmental impacts of animal agriculture and wellbeing. Data acquisition, pipelines, and analytics that link data with decision making. Design of connected systems.
Pathway Concept Area(s): 6D Critique & Prac in Design, 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 2824 - Equine Conformation and Biomechanics (2 credits) 
Evaluation of equine conformation as related to locomotion, athletic performance and soundness. Basic understanding of breed standards, gaits, and rules and regulations pertaining to various equine sports disciplines, from both domestic and global perspectives. Investigation of current scientific literature regarding equine conformation and biomechanics.
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 2 Lab, 2 Crd) 
APSC 2964 - Field Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 2974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 2984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 2994 - Undergraduate Research (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 3024 - Equine Science and Management (3 credits) 
Management of horses at maintenance, in light work, and breeding stock. Conformation, forages and concentrate requirements, common diseases and health conditions, health maintenance, vaccination and deworming protocols, behavioral modification and training practices, facility management, breeding practices, and welfare. Career paths in the horse industry. Emphasis on application and analysis of case studies.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 2124 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
APSC 3064 - Companion and Laboratory Animal Science (3 credits) 
Comparative aspects of companion and laboratory animals including physiology, anatomy, nutrition, genetics and reproduction. Normal behaviors along with techniques of behavior modifications.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 3134 - Animal Agriculture and the Environment (3 credits) 
Environmental issues associated with animal agriculture. Nutrient contamination of water resources, odor emission from livestock farms, environmental regulations affecting animal agriculture, and management practices to reduce the impacts of livestock farms on air and water quality.
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: DASC 3134 
APSC 3214 - Principles of Meat Science (3 credits) 
Muscle biology and biochemistry, fresh meat processing, meat merchandising, processed meats, food safety, meat cookery, and regulations.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 2304 and CHEM 1036 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: FST 3214 
APSC 3224 - Meat Science Laboratory (1 credit) 
Harvesting of livestock, carcass fabrication into wholesale and retail cuts, fresh meat processing and cookery. Handling, processing and displaying fresh and processed beef, pork, and lamb. Applications of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and food safety concepts to meat processing environments.
Corequisite(s): APSC 3214 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lab, 1 Crd) 
APSC 3254 - Animal Products (3 credits) 
Products obtained from animals (meat, eggs, dairy, by-products). Effect of production and processing of food animals upon product safety and quality.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 2 Lab, 3 Crd) 
APSC 3334 - Animal Welfare and Bioethics (3 credits) 
Historical overview of animal welfare and bioethics. Animal welfare issues in farm and companion animals with respect to their use and treatment in the United States and in the global community. The influences of animal protection organizations, consumer groups, politicians, the scientific community, and other stakeholders on the development and enforcement of policies. Pre: Junior Standing.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 1454 and ALS 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 3434 - Host Microbe Interactions (3 credits) 
Microbes and their physiology in animal production. Host-microbe interactions at a cellular/system level. Microbial pathogenesis, microbiome, and metabolism in animal health. Cellular responses to microbe colonization of its animal host. Relate microbial metabolism with diet and animal growth and development. Examine the underlying mechanism behind disease or health resulting from microbe interactions.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 3504 - Poultry Science and Health (3 credits) 
Avian embryology and physiological systems, poultry genetics, microbiome, diseases, biotechnology, health and welfare. Social and economic issues facing the poultry industry.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 1454 and APSC 1464 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 3524 - Intermediate Equitation Over Fences (1 credit) 
Establishment of sound jumping skills. Continuation of more advanced flat work. Study of hunter courses and cross country jumping. COURSE FEE: $1,500.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 2624 
Instructional Contact Hours: (4 Lab, 1 Crd) 
APSC 3624 - Advanced Equitation Over Fences (1 credit) 
Advanced methods and techniques for jumping and precision riding. COURSE FEE: $1,500.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 3524 
Instructional Contact Hours: (4 Lab, 1 Crd) 
APSC 3684 - Special Topics in Animal and Poultry Sciences (1,2 credits) 
An advanced, variable-content course which explores a topic in the animal sciences such as a significant contemporary issue; an emerging research area of interest to undergraduates; or a semester-long project involving a small group of students. May be repeated for up to three credits, no more than two credits per term.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (1,2 Lec, 1,2 Crd) 
Repeatability: up to 3 credit hours 
APSC 3754 - Principles of Livestock Evaluation (2 credits) 
Selection of market and breeding animals based on subjective and objective methods of evaluation. Basic understanding of evaluation principles, form-to-function, expected progeny differences, and performance records of beef cattle, swine, and sheep. Involves accurate decision making and oral reason presentations.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 1454 
Instructional Contact Hours: (6 Lab, 2 Crd) 
APSC 3764 - Livestock Merchandising (2 credits) 
A comprehensive study of the principles and activities involved in successfully promoting and merchandising livestock. A livestock auction (Hokie Harvest Sale) is held at the conclusion of the course to provide experiences in advertising, salesmanship, livestock photography, facility development, sale management, and budgeting. Pre: Junior standing or consent.
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 2 Crd) 
APSC 3824 - Equine Training and Marketing (2 credits) 
Application of fundamental behavioral concepts and principles to the training of horses in routine handling and groundwork. Preparation, marketing and presentation of horses for show and sale.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 2124 
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 3 Lab, 2 Crd) 
APSC 3900 - Bridge Experience (0 credits) 
Application of academic knowledge and skills to in a work-based experience aligned with post-graduation goals using research-based learning processes. Satisfactory completion of work-based experience often in the form of internship, undergraduate research, co-op, or study abroad; self-evaluation; reflection; and showcase of learning. Pre: Departmental approval of 3900 plan.
Instructional Contact Hours: (0 Crd) 
APSC 3954 - Study Abroad (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 3964 - Field Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 3974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 3984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 4004 - Contemporary Issues in the Animal Sciences (3 credits) 
Applying critical thinking, ethical reasoning and problem solving in order to make ethical decisions in regard to important contemporary issues in animal agriculture and other areas of the animal sciences; discourse through oral and written communication.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 2004 
Pathway Concept Area(s): 1A Discourse Advanced, 10 Ethical Reasoning 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 4054 - Genomics (3 credits) 
A contemporary analysis of the development, utility and application of high-resolution methods for the study and manipulation of the complete genomes of organisms. The use of new techniques for genomic, metabolic and protein engineering (functional genomics), including high-throughput methods and nanotechnology, will be emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): BCHM 3114 or BCHM 4116 or BIOL 3774 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: BCHM 4054 
APSC 4204 - Advanced Equine Nutrition and Feeding (3 credits) 
Analysis, formulation, and improvement of diets fed to horses in different physiological stages and metabolic statuses. Nutrient digestion, absorption, and utilization of nutrients. Computer-based ration formulation for horses. Applying economic principles to ration formulation and communicate equine nutrition concepts.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 3204 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 4224 - Equine Exercise Physiology (3 credits) 
Comprehensive study of conditioning the equine athlete using the principles of exercise physiology, energetics, kinetics, and sports medicine. Anatomy and physiology as it relates to exercise, conditioning and fitness assessment; exercise intolerance; performance nutrition; and medical practices used to support equine athletics.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 2304 and APSC 2124 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 4264 - Companion and Exotic Animal Nutrition (3 credits) 
Idiosyncrasies and conformities of digestive systems and metabolic characteristics of cats, dogs, reptiles, small mammals, birds, and fish. Nutrient requirements by life-stage of cats, dogs, reptiles, small mammals, birds, and fish. Food ingredients, software-based pet food formulations, pet food labels, and regulatory frameworks. Modifications of pet food formulations for life stage and physiological conditions. Attributes of food ingredients that impact quality and nutritional value. Pet food packaging nutritional claims. Evaluation of newly emerging information and scientific literature regarding nutritional requirements of cats, dogs, reptiles, small mammals, birds, and fish.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 3204 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 4304 - Principles and Practices of Bovine Reproduction (2 credits) 
Principles and techniques in reproductive physiology and herd management related to health, record keeping, estrus detection and synchronization, uterus and ovary condition. Ovarian function and superovulation, semen handling, artificial insemination and pregnancy detection are also considered.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (1 Lec, 3 Lab, 2 Crd) 
Course Crosslist: DASC 4304 
APSC 4344 - Mammalian Embryology (3 credits) 
Embryology and fetal development in mammals, including cattle, pigs, rodents, and humans. Molecular and cellular processes that control embryology. Embryological processes that relate to pregnancy success and offspring survival and health. Fertility regulation. Assisted reproductive technologies. Gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo cleavage, placental development and function, blastulation, gastrulation, neurulation. Skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, cartilage, urogenital, reproductive, respiratory, and digestive tissue development. Stem cell biology.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 4404 - Commercial Poultry Enterprise Management (4 credits) 
Production, management, and reproduction of meat- and egg-type chickens and turkeys. Emphasis is on the application of basic poultry science principles as they relate to commercial poultry enterprises. Advanced topics of economic analysis, program management, and problem solving used in decision making processes in integrated poultry operations.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 2104 and ALS 3104 and ALS 3204 and ALS 3304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Lab, 4 Crd) 
APSC 4414 - Beef and Sheep Production and Industry (4 credits) 
Study of the commercial and purebred beef cattle and sheep industries. Principles and applications for successful and profitable beef and sheep production.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 2114 and ALS 3104 and ALS 3204 and ALS 3304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Lab, 4 Crd) 
APSC 4424 - Horse Production and Management (4 credits) 
Reproduction, genetics, nutrition, herd health, planning and economics of private and commercial horse farms, and current issues in the horse industry.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 2124 and APSC 2424 and ALS 3104 and ALS 3204 and ALS 3304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Lab, 4 Crd) 
APSC 4444 - Swine Production (3 credits) 
Principles for commercial and seedstock swine production; current management practices, housing and marketing; issues and challenges in the swine industry. Experience in husbandry, research, and other management techniques obtained during laboratory.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 2114 and ALS 3104 and ALS 3204 and ALS 3304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 3 Lab, 3 Crd) 
APSC 4464 - Companion and Laboratory Animal Health and Management (4 credits) 
Animal health, management, well-being, and government regulation in the maintenance, use and enjoyment of companion and laboratory animals.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 2164 and APSC 3064 and ALS 3104 and ALS 3204 and ALS 3304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 2 Lab, 4 Crd) 
APSC 4514 - Animal Growth and Development (3 credits) 
Meat animal growth and development processes, micro and gross anatomy, stem cell biology and growth, body and carcass composition with application to animal and carcass evaluation.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 2304 and ALS 3204 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 4554 - Advanced Livestock Enterprise Management (3 credits) 
Application of principles needed to manage profitable and sustainable beef cattle, sheep, and swine enterprises. Use of techniques to develop and evaluate strategies resulting in sound livestock enterprise management decisions. Focus on advanced animal management protocols, enterprise analysis, resource allocation, marketing options and risk management.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 4414 or APSC 4444 
Instructional Contact Hours: (2 Lec, 2 Lab, 3 Crd) 
APSC 4774 - Nutrition and the Animal Brain (3 credits) 
Relationship of diet and nutrients to animal behavior and neurobiology. Nervous system control of feeding behavior and metabolism to regulate whole body energy homeostasis in companion, livestock, and poultry species. Interactions of dietary formulations and nutrients affecting brain physiology and pathology.
Prerequisite(s): ALS 2304 
Instructional Contact Hours: (3 Lec, 3 Crd) 
APSC 4954 - Capstone Experience in Animal and Poultry Sciences (1-19 credits) 
Student-defined learning experience that utilizes knowledge and skills already learned to acquire new skills, synthesize information and solve problems in the animal sciences. Requires approval from the department before commencement of the experience, and a final report at its conclusion. Open to APSC majors only. Completion of 75 credits towards the APSC degree required.
Prerequisite(s): APSC 2004 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 4964 - Field Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 4974 - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 4974H - Independent Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 4984 - Special Study (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 4994 - Undergraduate Research (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course 
APSC 4994H - Undergraduate Research (1-19 credits) 
Instructional Contact Hours: Variable credit course