Animal & Food Sciences

Curriculum

Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements

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Graduation Requirements

To earn the Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences, a student must have:

• minimum of 120 credit hours

• minimum of a 2.0 grade-point average

• minimum of 45 credit hours from upper division courses (300 level or above).

• minimum of 18 credit hours of Specialty Support

• completed all University Studies, College, Premajor, Major, Specialty Support, and Study Option requirements

University Studies Program

The broad goals of the University of Kentucky's general education program, called University Studies, make for mature, open, flexible individuals who can adapt to changing situations, learn new skills, and meet unforeseen challenges in their careers. At the same time, University Studies will help students to develop their own sense of values, to pursue their own goals, and to contribute to the political, moral, social, and cultural enrichment of society. 

The Program has ten (10) areas of study.  Some Premajor requirements can also be used to fulfill specific University Studies requirements will also satisfy other requirements within the major.  Students are encouraged to work closely with their advisors in selecting courses that are appropriate for their own needs and aspirations.

College Requirement

All students must complete GEN 100 (Issues in Agriculture: The Development of Modern Agriculture)

Premajor Requirements

Understanding the basics of biology and chemistry and having competency in mathematical skills is essential to fully appreciate the disciplines covered in the Animal Sciences.  Courses required to assure such competency include MA 123 (or MA 113), BIO 150, BIO 152, CHE 105, CHE 107, CHE 111, and CHE 113.

Major Requirements

Required Discipline Courses

A basic expectation of the undergraduate program in Animal Sciences is that all students, regardless of their specific interests and career goals, become well-grounded in fundamental concepts and principles dealing with the biology and management of domestic animals. All students must take a set of eight (8) discipline-oriented courses.

Required Production Courses

Animal agriculture includes many different species, management techniques, and production systems, and exposure to the diversity of species and production systems is important for students. All students are required to take at least three (3) upper level production-oriented courses, each dealing with separate species.  In addition, given the importance of food and fiber animal species, at least one (1) of the three required courses must pertain to such animals.

Specialty Support

At least 18 hours of courses at the 200 level or above, outside of the student’s major (i. e., non-ASC prefix) should be selected with the advisor’s consent to complement the student’s area of interest and sepcifric Study Option.  Specific Requirements may vary depending on the student’s Study Option.

Study Options

All students must select one (1) of three (3) Study Options:

Animal Industry Option

Students receive training in the nutrition, reproduction, welfare, and management of domesticated animals.  The option prepares students for careers in agribusiness, farm management, technical sales and/or service, cooperative extension, education, government, and commodities promotion. 

Beyond the Core Curriculum, Specialty Support courses outside of the Animal and Food Sciences Department are required.  Within this Option, students may choose to further specialize in one (1) of three (3) areas:

Equine Specialization. Specific emphasis is provided in the biology and management of equine animals.
Livestock Specialization. Specific emphasis is provided in the biology and management of meat-producing animals.
Dairy Specialization. Specific emphasis is provided in the biology and management of commercial milk-producing animals.

Specific emphasis is provided in the biology and management of commercial milk-producing animals.

Food Industry Option

Students receive training that emphasizes scientific and management principles disciplines related to processing, chemistry, and safety of animal-derived foods. The option prepares students for careers in animal production or associated food processing industries.

Beyond the Core Curriculum, Specialty Support courses outside of the Animal and Food Sciences Department are required. 

Pre-Professional Option

Students receive training in the basic sciences relevant to animal biology including chemistry, physics, mathematics, genetics, and microbiology. The option prepares students for advanced studies in veterinary sciences, graduate research, human medicine, or for employment opportunities in the pharmaceutical or research industries. This Study Option is intended to satisfy most entrance requirements to post-graduate programs, but students should work closely with academic advisors to assure that requirements for specific programs are fulfilled. 

Beyond the Core Curriculum, Specialty Support courses outside of the Animal and Food Sciences Department are required.