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Animal Science Courses

Complete Listing of all Animal Science Courses Offered   (links to Cornell University Courses of Study page)

 

Fall 2012 (Click for a printable list)

AN SC 1100 – Domestic Animal Biology
4 credits.  Letter grade only.
Lecture MWF 9:05-9:55; Lab T or W 1:25-4:25 pm.  V. Selvaraj and J. R. Giles.

An introduction to the field of animal science: Students will be exposed to fundamental information on comparative functional anatomy and physiology of livestock, poultry and companion animals.  Emphasis will be placed on basic knowledge and its practical utility central to animal health and the use of animals for food production. 

AN SC 2120 – Animal Nutrition
4 credits.  Prerequisite: CHEM 2080 or equivalent. Recommended: AN SC 1100. Letter grade only.
Lecture MWF 10:10-11:00 am; Lab MTW or R 1:25-4:25 pm.  D. J. R. Cherney.

Introduction to animal nutrition, including digestive physiology and metabolism of domestic animals and other species; nutrient properties and requirement for different aspects of animal production and performance; principles of feed evaluation and ration formulation.  Laboratory classes include gastrointestinal tract dissections and nutritional experiments performed on laboratory or farm animal species.

AN SC 2150 – Exotic Avian Husbandry and Propagation
2 credits.  Prerequisites: AN SC 1100 or one semester of college-level biology.  Letter grade only. 
Lecture M 2:30-4:25 pm.  J. E. Parks and D. E. Muscarella.

Natural history, care, management, health, and breeding of exotic avian species with emphasis on psittacines (parrots & related species) & raptors (birds of prey).  Includes lectures, demonstrations and local field trips.

AN SC 2500 – Dairy Cattle Principles
3 credits.  Prerequisite: AN SC 2510, 3510, 3540, and 3550.  S-U or letter grade.
Lecture TR 10:10-11:00 am; Lab T 1:25-4:25 pm.  D. M. Galton.

Introduction to background and scientific principles relating to dairy cattle production.  Labs provide understanding of dairy cattle production.

AN SC 2650 – Equine Biology and Management
3 credits.  Prerequisites: AN SC 1100 or permission of instructor.  S-U or letter grade.
Lecture TR 9:05-9:55 am; Lab R 1:25-4:25 pm. S. A. Brooks.

Course provides basics of equine form, function, care, management and handling.  Students learn the basic biology of the horse and how to apply this knowledge to solve problems in horse care.  Hands-on labs will include safe handling techniques, basic ground work and daily care of class horses.  Short trips and tours will illustrate applied concepts in horse industry and health care.

AN SC 2710 – Canine Reproduction–Big Dog, Little Dog
1 credit.  Prerequisite: AN SC 2400.  Letter grade only.
Lecture M 7:30-9:25 pm.  J. R. Giles.

Emphasis is on reproduction in the domestic dog, however, aspects particular to reproduction in wolves, coyotes, the dingo, and jackals will also be presented.  Students will learn the physiology of the normal reproductive cycle as well as some common disorders.

AN SC 3100 – Introduction to Animal Welfare
2 credits.  S-U or letter grade.  M 7:30-9:25 pm.  D. J. R. Cherney and J. M. Regenstein.

Animal welfare issues are discussed, mainly for farm animals, but companion animals are also considered.  Both animal specific and general areas of animal welfare are discussed.

AN SC 3540 – Dairy Cattle Herd Health
3 credits.  Prerequisite: AN SC 2500 or permission of instructor. S-U or letter grade. 
Lecture TR 9:05-9:55 am; Lab R 1:25-4:25 pm.  P. A. Ospina.

Application of scientific principles to practical herd management with emphasis on herd health and animal well-being. Laboratory emphasizes practical applications of herd health management.

AN SC 3980 – Animals in Biomedical Research
2 credits.  Prerequisites: two semesters of college-level biology, AN SC 1100 or equivalent introductory physiology course.  Letter grades only.  X. Lei.

This course introduces features and applications of various animal models for biomedical research on human health and diseases.  Emphasis will be given on appropriate animal models for studying human development, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, hereditary diseases, and nutritional deficiencies.  Model species include food-producing animals, recreational/companion animals, and laboratory animals.  Lectures will cover basic biology, common uses in biomedical research, and unique applications of selected species for target human disease.  Comparative physiology between model species and humans, advantages and limitations of given models, and regulations of biomedical uses of animals will also be discussed.

An Sc 4000 – Feeding the World: The Biological and Quantitative Analyses of Livestock and Crop Systems (cross listed with IARD 4000)
4 credits.  Prerequisites: Prefer students have at least one course in biology, in agriculture and in economics.  SU or Letter.  D. L. Brown.

The purpose of this course is to leave Cornell students from any major with a deep and quantitative understanding of the agricultural systems that feed the world today, others that fed the world during the past 10,000 years, and those that will be needed to feed the world in the future.  These students will also be motivated to take action through their daily lives to achieve better food systems for their community of the world, through their life’s work, by what they eat, and which policies they advocate.

 AN SC 4050 – Molecular and Cellular Approaches to Reproductive Physiology (cross listed BIOAP 4050)
3 credits.  Prerequisites: One year introductory biology and introductory physiology (AN SC 1100 or BIOG 1440 and AN SC 2400 or BIOAP 3110).  Letter grade only.
Lecture TR 1:25-2:15 pm; Lab T 2:30-4:25 pm.  S. M. Quirk.

Lectures on selected topics in reproductive biology of male and female mammals with a focus on how research questions are formulated, addressed and influenced by previous discoveries.  Concepts introduced apply to investigation of all areas of animal physiology. Laboratory exercises provide experience in cellular and molecular methods used to study reproductive function.

AN SC 4110 – Integrated Cattle Nutrition
4 credits.  Designed for juniors, seniors, and entering graduate students.  Prerequisites: AN SC 1100 and 2120 (or equivalent).  Highly recommended: AN SC 3550.  Letter grade only.
Lecture MWF 10:10-11:00 am; Lab M 1:25-4:25 pm.  M. E. Van Amburgh.

Integrates concepts of cattle nutrition and farm nutritional management to help students understand and appreciate factors influencing the performance of cattle under diverse conditions.  Topics covered include the effect of environment on maintenance costs; the nutrient requirements for various stages of growth, lactation, and pregnancy; rumen function; feed composition and chemistry; nutrient partitioning; and the environmental impacts of cattle and how to minimize them.  Computer models (Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System) are used in the laboratory to actualize the information presented in lectures.  Herd case studies are used in lab and there are field trips to farms to evaluate the nutritional management. 

AN SC 4250 – Gamete Physiology and Fertilization (cross listed BIOAP 4250)
Offered alternate years; next offered Fall 2013.
2 credits.  Prerequisite: AN SC 2400 or equivalent.  Letter grade only.
Lecture R 2:30-4:25 pm.  J. E. Parks.

Study of the formation, growth, differentiation, and maturation of mammalian sperm and oocytes; gamete transport and interaction with male and female reproductive tracts; and cytological, physiological, and molecular changes required for fertilization.  Lecture, discussion, and aspects of gamete physiology and in vitro technologies such as cryopreservation, oocyte maturation, and fertilization are covered.

AN SC 4270 – Fundamentals of Endocrinology (cross listed BIOAP 4270)
3 credits.  Prerequisite: animal or human physiology course or permission of instructor.  Letter grade only.  Lecture MWF 9:05-9:55 am.  P. A. Johnson.

Physiology and regulation of endocrine secretions.  Emphasizes neuroendocrine, reproductive, growth, and metabolic aspects of endocrinology.  Examples are selected from many animals, including humans.

AN SC 4510 – Dairy Herd Business Management
3 credits. Corequisite: AN SC 4560.  Letter grade only.
Lecture W 1:25-2:15 pm; Disc W 2:30-4:25 pm; Lab F 1:25-4:25 pm.  J. Karszes and D. M. Galton.

Emphasizes dairy herd business management with application to herd management analysis. Laboratory includes farm tours and analysis.

  AN SC 4511 – Quantitative Decision Making on Dairy Farms
3 credits.  Prerequisite: AN SC 2500. S-U or letter grade. 
Lecture M 7:30-9:25 pm; Disc W 8:00-8:50 am.  P. A. Ospina and M. E. Van Amburgh.

Course objective is to enhance critical thinking skills in dairy management using a problem based approach and to further develop the tools necessary to analyze situations and issues.  Data acquisition and analyses (using programs such as Dairy Comp 305) will be used along with spreadsheet development for partial budgets.  There will be in-class questions along with take home assignments.

AN SC 4580 – Advanced Spanish for Dairy Producers
3 credits.  Prerequisite: AN SC 4570; permission of instructor.  S-U or letter grade. 
Lecture TR 12:20-1:10 pm, Lab W 1:25-4:25 pm.  P. A. Ospina

Students with a focus on dairy management need to be able to communicate with the Spanish-speaking workforce, and upward mobility of that workforce depends on knowledge of cutting-edge dairy management.  This is the second course of a two-sequence program that will further develop the students’ skills to be able to communicate in Spanish higher-level dairy production tasks and principles to Spanish-speaking dairy workers.

AN SC 4700 – Merchandising Beef Cattle
2 credits.  Limited to 35 students.  S-U or letter grade. 
Lecture M 7:30-9:25 pm.  M. J. Baker.

Introduction to the merchandising of replacement beef heifers.  Topics of study will include budgeting, advertising, animal preparation, cataloging, clerking, and reporting.  Students will gain practical knowledge through lecture as well as hands-on experience by planning, organizing, and conducting a sale of bred beef heifers from the Empire Heifer Development Program.

AN SC 7570 – Current Concepts in Reproductive Biology (cross listed BIOAP 7570)
Offered alternate years.  Next offered Fall 2013.
3 credits.  Prerequisites: Undergraduate degree in biology and strong interest in reproductive biology.  S-U or letter grade.
Seminar TR 10:10-12:05 pm.  J. E. Fortune and S. M. Quirk.

Team-taught survey course in reproductive physiology/endocrinology.  Lectures by a number of reproductive biologists on various aspects of male reproductive function (endocrine regulation, testis function, spermatogenesis, sperm physiology/function); female reproductive function (endocrinology, ovarian development and function, oocyte physiology/function); fertilization and gamete transport; pregnancy; parturition; lactation; aging; reproductive technology.  Student participation in the form of discussions and/or presentations.

 

Spring 2012

AN SC 1105 – Contemporary Perspectives of Animal Science
1 credit.  Prerequisite: freshmen, sophomores, or first-year transfer standing.
Lecture T 1:25-2:15 pm or W 12:20-1:10 pm.  J. Gavalchin.

In addition to preparing students for veterinary medicine, a degree in Animal Science is excellent background for careers in agricultural production, education, marketing, communications, and policy development, in both private and public sectors.  In this course, students explore these opportunities and develop skills that will aid them in career planning.

AN SC 2210 - Principles of Animal Genetics                                                        3 credits.  Prerequisite: two semesters of college biology.
Lecture TR 9:05-9:55 am; Disc TWR or F 2:00-4:25 pm.  I. G. Imumorin.

Examination of basic genetic principles and their application to the improvement of domestic animals, with emphasis on the effects of selection on animal populations and an introduction to the application of molecular techniques to animal improvement.

AN SC 2400 – Animal Reproduction and Development
3 credits.  Prerequisite: Two semesters of college level biology.  Lecture MWF 10:10-11:00 am.  J. E. Parks.

Comparative anatomy and physiology of mammalian and avian reproduction, with emphasis on domestic and laboratory animals; fertilization through embryonic development, pregnancy, and growth to sexual maturity; emphasis on physiological mechanisms and application to fertility regulation.

AN SC 2410 – Animal Reproduction and Development Lab
1 credit.  Limited to 30 students per lab.  Pre- or corequisite: AN SC 2400.
Lab MTW or R 1:25-4:25 pm.  J. E. Parks.

Demonstrates fundamental principles and applied aspects of mammalian and avian reproduction.  A limited number of live animals are used in some demonstrations. Dissection and examination of tissues from vertebrate animals are included in selected laboratories.

AN SC 2510 – Applied Dairy Cattle Genetics                                                       2 credits.  Prerequisite: AN SC 2500.  S-U or letter grades.
Lecture MW 12:20-1:10 pm.  D. M. Galton.

Application of scientific principles of genetic programs in herds with different breeding programs. Emphasizes economical traits to be used to improve genetic progress and herd performance.
AN SC 2720 – Feline Reproduction
1 credit.  Prerequisite: Suggested AN SC 2400.
Lecture M 7:30-9:25 pm (7 week course).  J. R. Giles.

Emphasis is on reproduction in the domestic cat, however, aspects particular to reproduction in larger cats will also be presented.  Students will learn the physiology of the normal reproductive cycle as well as some common disorders.

AN SC 3200 – Comparative Animal Nutrition and Toxicology:  Horses, Dogs, Cats and More
4 credits.  S-U or letter grades.  Prerequisites: One year college biology and AN SC 2120 (Animal Nutrition) or equivalent. 
Lecture MWF 11:15-12:05 pm; Lab T or R 1:25-4:25 pm.  One weekend field trip.  D. L. Brown.

At the end of this course, students will (1) be able to match feed resources to the physiological needs of horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, deer, reindeer, birds, reptiles, and a variety of other animals found at home, in zoos, rehabilitation centers, on ranches and farms, (2) understand the intellectual processes by which a successful, science-based feeding strategy should be developed for animals without a history of domestication, (3) understand the evolutionary and physiological basis for some of the diversity in nutritional strategies and toxicological vulnerabilities found among animals.

AN SC 3410 – Biology of the Mammary Gland in Health and Disease
2 credits.  Prerequisite: AN SC 1100 or introductory course in human or animal physiology.
Lecture TR 9:05-9:55 am.  Y. R. Boisclair.

The course uses the mammary gland as the platform to illustrate the integration of physiological systems in the whole animal.  Lectures cover the anatomy, development and endocrinology of the gland, composition and biosynthesis of milk and diseases related to mammary gland development and function.  The information comes from a variety of mammals including the mouse for development, the dairy cow for production aspects and the human for diseases.

AN SC 3510 – Dairy Herd Management                                                               4 credits.  Prerequisite: AN SC 2500 or permission of instructor.  Recommended: AEM 3020.
Lecture MWF 9:05-9:55 am; Lab M 1:25-4:25 pm.  D. M. Galton.

Application of scientific principles to practical herd management with components of reproduction, milking, housing, records, and production economics. Laboratories emphasize practical applications, analyses of alternatives, decision making, field trips, and discussion.

AN SC 3921 – Mechanisms of Animal Growth and Development Lab
1 credit.  Prerequisite: AN SC 1100 or equivalent introductory physiology courses.
Laboratory W 1:25-4:25 pm.  Q. Long.

This laboratory course provides experience in animal genotyping, generation and expression in transgenes, hormone-stimulated cell growth and metabolism of cells and the whole animal.  Techniques used in this course include: genomic DNA ligation and transformation, gene expression, immunohistochemistry, glucose and insulin tolerance tests.

AN SC 4010 - Dairy Production Seminar                                                               1 credit.  Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.
Seminar M 7:30-8:30 pm.  T. R. Overton.

Capstone course in which students, with the help of faculty members, complete a study of the research literature on topics of current interest in the dairy industry.  Students then make an oral and a written report on their topic with emphasis on integrating theory and practice.

AN SC 4020 - Seminar in Animal Sciences                                                            1 credit.  Prerequisite: students engaged in undergraduate honors research projects. S-U or letter grades.
Seminar R 3:00-4:00 pm.  S. M. Quirk.

Reports of undergraduate honors research projects.  Students present oral reports of their work for class discussion in addition to written reports.

AN SC 4120 – Whole-Farm Nutrient Management
4 credits.  Prerequisites: junior, senior, or graduate standing, AN SC 4110 is preferred but not required. 
Lecture TR 11:15-12:05 pm ; Lab T 1:25-4:25 pm.  M. E. Van Amburgh and Q. M. Ketterings.

This course provides students with an understanding of the concepts and practices underlying whole- farm nutrient management planning of livestock and dairy farms.  Improving profitability and efficiency are key factors considered while improving air and water quality associated with dairy production.  Students learn about nutrient management on Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO’s) and conduct their own Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan on a case-study farm.  This course integrates crop and manure management with nutrition and herd management to provide a broad but focused and action oriented approach. 

AN SC 4140 - Ethics and Animal Science                                                              2 credits.  Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.
Lecture M 12:20-1:10 pm; Disc W 12:20-1:10 pm.  D. J. R. Cherney.

Explores place of humans in the biological world, origins of ethics and morality, speciesism, use of animals for research and agricultural purposes, transgenic animals.  A book review, participation in discussion in class and online, and a project of the student's choice are used to evaluate the performance of each student.

AN SC 4300 – Comparative Genomics of Health and Disease in Domesticated Animals
2 credits.  Prerequisite: AN SC or BIOMG 2800.
Lecture TF 2:30-3:20 pm.  S. A. Brooks.

As we approach the age of the “$1000" genome, the number of mammals with at least a draft reference genome sequence is rapidly increasing.  This is particularly true for large domesticated mammals like the horse, cattle, dog, pig or sheep.  Genomic research in large animals, rather than traditional laboratory species, open up new horizons in diversity of phenotype, mechanisms and technique. 

AN SC 4560 - Dairy Management Fellowship                                                        2 credits.  Prerequisites: senior standing; AN SC 3510; permission of instructor. S-U grades only. 
Lecture F 1:25-4:25 pm.  D. M. Galton.

Designed for undergraduates who have a sincere interest in dairy farm management.  Objective is to gain further understanding of the integration and application of dairy farm management principles and programs with respect to progressive dairying and related industries.

AN SC 4570 – Introductory Spanish for Dairy Producers                                       3 credits.  Prerequisite: AN SC 2500; permission of instructor.
Lecture TR 9:05-9:55 am; Disc T 1:25-4:25 pm.  P. A. Ospina.

Students with a focus on dairy management learn to communicate with the increasingly Spanish-speaking workforce to assure that the knowledge of cutting-edge dairy management and observations from the field are exchanged accurately. This is the first of a sequence of two courses developed to meet these goals.

 

Both Fall and Spring

AN SC 4960 - Internship in Animal Science (Fall and spring)

On-the-job learning experience under supervision of qualified professionals. Internships must be approved in advance by student advisor.

AN SC 4970 - Individual Study in Animal Science (Fall and spring)

May include individual tutorial study or a lecture topic selected by a professor. Because topics may change, the course may be repeated for credit.

AN SC 4980 - Undergraduate Teaching (Fall and spring)

Participating student assists in teaching a course allied with his or her education and experience. The student meets regularly with students in a discussion or laboratory section, to gain teaching experience. Further, you will meet regularly to discuss teaching objectives, techniques, and subject matter with the professor in charge. Letter grade.

AN SC 4990 - Undergraduate Research (Fall and spring)

Affords opportunities for students to carry out independent research under appropriate supervision. Anyone interested in undergraduate research should ask their advisor about opportunities.

AN SC 4991 Undergraduate Honors Research in Animal Science

Fall or spring. 6 credits max during undergraduate career. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

(AN SC 4960, 4970, 4980, 4990, 4991 – Students must register using independent study form available in 140 Roberts Hall or 149 Morrison Hall. S-U or letter grades.)

AN SC 6100 – Animal Science Seminar

Fall and spring. 1 credit. Prerequisite: graduate standing. S-U grades only. Sem, T 12:20-1:10. R. E. Austic

Weekly seminar on topics related to animal science.

AN SC 6190 – Field of Nutrition Seminar

Fall and spring. 0 credits. SUX.

For description, see NS 619.

AN SC 6210 – Reproductive Physiology/Endocrinology Seminar

Fall and spring. 1 credit. Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission of instructor. S-U grades only. Sem, W 4:00. W. R. Butler and staff.

Current research in reproductive physiology is presented by faculty and staff members, graduate students, and invited speakers.

AN SC 6220 – Seminar in Animal Metabolism

Fall and spring. 1 credit. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. S-U grades only. Sem, R 4:00. Y. R. Boisclair and D. E. Bauman.

Current issues in metabolism are discussed as they relate to productivity, well-being, and diseases of animals. Students present research proposals, progress reports on ongoing projects and recent peer-reviewed publications.

AN SC 6940 – Special Topics in Animal Science

“Trial” graduate courses are offered under this number.

AN SC 7900 – Graduate-Level Thesis Research

Fall and spring. Credit TBA, max. 12 per semester. Prerequisite: permission of adviser. S-U grades only. Graduate faculty.

For students in a Ph.D. program only before A exam has been passed.

AN SC 8900 – Master’s-Level Thesis Research

Fall and spring. Credit TBA, max. 12 per semester. Prerequisite: permission of adviser. S-U grades only. Graduate faculty.

For students admitted specifically to a master’s program.

AN SC 9900 – Doctoral-Level Thesis Research

Fall and spring. Credit TBA, max. 12 credits per semester. Prerequisite: permission of adviser. S-U grades only. Graduate faculty.

For students admitted to candidacy after A exam has been passed.