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Animal Science

This is an archived copy of the 2023-2024 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

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The Department of Animal Science Undergraduate Program intends for its graduates to be able to explain the symbiotic relationship of animals and humans, to contribute to the solution of complex problems of animal enterprise management, and to apply their knowledge and skills in a technically demanding global community. Graduates of our program will be knowledgeable about sustainable animal production practices that also ensure animal health and well-being and stewardship of natural resources.

To enable learners to pursue a wide array of career interests, the department offers learning experiences ranging from the basic to the applied sciences. Learner outcomes for these goals, for each of our courses, and other information defining the program can be found at our web site: https://www.ans.iastate.edu/undergraduate-students. Our program is designed to provide career skills appropriate to job market needs. Our faculty goals include providing superior academic advising to enable students to fulfill their objectives.

Student Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes for the Animal and Dairy Science majors dictate that, upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Apply scientifically based practices for the care, management, and study of managed animals and animal products. 
  • Communicate in oral and written formats.
  • Describe the contemporary domestic and global issues impacting animal science
  • Contribute or lead team efforts to achieve group goals. 
  • Utilize effective life-long learning skills.
  • Evaluate the impacts of animal management practices on economic, sociological, and environmental sustainability.

The department offers the degrees bachelor of science in animal science and bachelor of science in dairy science. A double major in animal and dairy science is not permitted. However, combining either the animal science or dairy science majors with other curricula is permitted. A limit of 6 credits each in Intercollegiate Judging (Animal Science 475), or any independent study course (490 courses) can be applied toward a degree. A limit of 4 credits of Undergraduate Teaching Experience (Animal Science 497) can be applied toward a degree.

The department offers a minor in Animal Science and a minor in Meat Science. Certificates in Beef Cattle Production Management, Dairy Cattle Management, Swine Production Management, Poultry Production Management, and Equine Science and Management are also offered. Both the animal science curricula and dairy science curricula allow complementary work toward admission to veterinary medical school and other professional schools, which may be done while satisfying requirements for the bachelor of science degree. A program that combines bachelor of science and master of science in animal science is offered. In addition, a program that combines a bachelor of science and master of business administration is offered. The Department facilitates student participation in the Midwest Poultry Consortium and the Swine Science Online program to offer additional training in poultry and swine production, respectively.

Curriculum in Animal Science

Students majoring in animal science will complete the degree requirements listed below. If desired, a student may also choose a specialized option. To earn a degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University a minimum of 15 credits in Animal Science must be earned from courses taught in the Animal Science department at ISU. A minimum of 15 credits of animal science coursework must be earned at Iowa State University.

Total Degree Requirement: 128 cr.

Only 65 cr. from a two-year institution may apply which may include up to 16 technical cr.; 9 P-NP cr. of free electives; 2.00 minimum GPA.

International Perspectives

Approved International Perspectives course3

 U.S. Diversity

Approved U. S. Diversity course3

 Communications Proficiency (with a C or better)

English composition6
Speech fundamentals3
Total Credits9

Communication/Library

ENGL 150Critical Thinking and Communication3
ENGL 250Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition3
LIB 160Introduction to College Level Research1
One course from the following: 3
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Presentation and Sales Strategies for Agricultural Audiences
Survey of Agriculture and Life Sciences Communication
Professional Communication
One course from the following:3
Business Communication
Proposal and Report Writing
Communicating Science and Public Engagement
Technical Communication
Total Credits13

 Humanities and Social Sciences

Approved Humanties course3
Approved Social Science course3
Total Credits6

Ethics

Approved Ethics course3

 Mathematical Sciences

One course from the following:3-4
College Algebra
Discrete Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences
Survey of Calculus
Calculus I
One course from the following:3-4
Principles of Statistics
Introduction to Statistics
Introduction to Business Statistics I
Total Credits6-8

Physical Sciences

A minimum of 8 credits are required. These requirements are specific to option and are listed with each option below.

Biological Sciences

BIOL 211Principles of Biology I3
BIOL 211LPrinciples of Biology Laboratory I1
BIOL 212Principles of Biology II3
BIOL 212LPrinciples of Biology Laboratory II1
BIOL 313Principles of Genetics3
or GEN 320 Genetics, Agriculture and Biotechnology
MICRO 201
201L
Introduction to Microbiology
and Introductory Microbiology Laboratory
3-4
or MICRO 302
302L
Biology of Microorganisms
and Microbiology Laboratory
Total Credits14-15

Business

One course from the following:3
Financial Accounting
Principles of Microeconomics
Principles of Macroeconomics
Total Credits3

Animal Science Core 

AN S 101Working with Animals2
AN S 110Orientation in Animal Science and ISU1
AN S 114Survey of the Animal Industry2
AN S 210Career Preparation in Animal Science1
AN S 211Issues Facing Animal Science1
AN S 214Domestic Animal Physiology3
AN S 214LDomestic Animal Anatomy and Physiology Lab1
AN S 319Animal Nutrition3
AN S 320Animal Feeds and Feeding3
AN S 331Domestic Animal Reproduction3
AN S 352Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animals3
AN S 411Addressing Issues in Animal Science1
Total Credits24

 General Animal Science 

CHEM 163
163L
College Chemistry
and Laboratory in College Chemistry
5
or CHEM 177
177L
General Chemistry I
and Laboratory in General Chemistry I
CHEM 331Organic Chemistry I3
or BBMB 221 Structure and Reactions in Biochemical Processes
Three courses from the following:9
Equine Science
Poultry Science
Companion Animal Science
Swine Science
Beef Cattle Science
Laboratory Animal Science
Sheep Science
Dairy Cattle Science
Foods of Animal Origin
and Foods of Animal Origin Laboratory
One course from the following:2-4
Exercise Physiology of Animals
Food Processing for Companion Animals
Domestic Animal Behavior and Well-Being
Lactation
Growth and Development of Domestic Animals
Fresh Meat Science and Applied Muscle Biology
Principles of Molecular Cell Biology
Vertebrate Histology
Introductory Parasitology
Livestock Entomology
Insects and Our Health
Medical Microbiology
Livestock Disease Prevention
Livestock and Poultry Production: Facilities, Technology, and Management
Forage Crop Management
One course from the following:3
Equine Systems Management
Companion Animal Systems Management
Swine Systems Management
Beef Cattle Systems Management
Sheep Systems Management
Dairy Systems Management
One course from the following:2-3
Equine Systems Management
Advanced Animal Nutrition
Companion Animal Systems Management
Swine Systems Management
Beef Cattle Systems Management
Sheep Systems Management
Dairy Systems Management
Science and Technology of Value Added Meat Products
Food Analysis
Food Microbiology
Microbiological Safety of Foods of Animal Origins
Total Credits24-27
Additional free electives required for Animal Science 23-29

Pre-Veterinary Medicine Option

BBMB 301Survey of Biochemistry3
or BBMB 316 Principles of Biochemistry
or BBMB 404 Biochemistry I
or BBMB 420 Mammalian Biochemistry
CHEM 177General Chemistry I4
CHEM 177LLaboratory in General Chemistry I1
CHEM 178General Chemistry II3
CHEM 331Organic Chemistry I3
CHEM 331LLaboratory in Organic Chemistry I1
PHYS 131
131L
General Physics I
and General Physics I Laboratory
5
Three courses from the following:9
Equine Science
Poultry Science
Companion Animal Science
Swine Science
Beef Cattle Science
Laboratory Animal Science
Sheep Science
Dairy Cattle Science
Foods of Animal Origin
and Foods of Animal Origin Laboratory
One course from the following:2-4
Exercise Physiology of Animals
Food Processing for Companion Animals
Domestic Animal Behavior and Well-Being
Lactation
Growth and Development of Domestic Animals
Fresh Meat Science and Applied Muscle Biology
Principles of Molecular Cell Biology
Vertebrate Histology
Introductory Parasitology
Livestock Entomology
Insects and Our Health
Medical Microbiology
Livestock Disease Prevention
Livestock and Poultry Production: Facilities, Technology, and Management
Forage Crop Management
One course from the following:3
Equine Systems Management
Companion Animal Systems Management
Swine Systems Management
Beef Cattle Systems Management
Sheep Systems Management
Dairy Systems Management
One course from the following:2-3
Equine Systems Management
Advanced Animal Nutrition
Companion Animal Systems Management
Swine Systems Management
Beef Cattle Systems Management
Sheep Systems Management
Dairy Systems Management
Science and Technology of Value Added Meat Products
Food Analysis
Food Microbiology
Microbiological Safety of Foods of Animal Origins
Total Credits36-39
Additional free electives required for the Pre-veterinary Medicine Option8-14

* The Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine academic requirements are met by completion of this option (http://vetmed.iastate.edu/academics/prospective-students/admissions/academic-requirements).

Animal Science, B.S.  - GENERAL

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
AN S 1101AN S 1142
AN S 1012CHEM 177 or 1634
BIOL 2113CHEM 177L or 163L1
BIOL 211L1Humanities - elective list3
ENGL 1503SP CM 212, AGEDS 311, AGEDS 327, or COMST 2143
LIB 1601STAT 101, 104, or 2263-4
MATH 140, 150, 160, or 1653-4 
Soc. Sci. - elective list3 
 17-18 16-17
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
AN S 2111AN S 2101
AN S 200 - elective list3AN S 2143
AN S 200 - elective list3AN S 214L1
BIOL 2123AN S 200 - elective list3
BIOL 212L1ENGL 2503
BBMB 2213MICRO 201 or 3022-3
ECON 101, 102, or ACCT 2843MICRO 201L or 302L1
 Free elective3
 17 17-18
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
AN S 3193AN S 3203
AN S 3313AN S 3523
GEN 320 or BIOL 3133AN S 300 - elective list3
U.S. Diversity - elective list3Ethics -elective list3
Free elective3Free elective3
 15 15
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
AN S 4111AN S 400 - Option 23
AN S 400 - Option 13International Perspective - elective list3
ENGL 302, 309, 312, or 3143Free elective3
Free elective3Free elective3
Free elective3Free elective4
Free elective3 
 16 16
Important Note:

This is only one of many equally-sound schedule sequences.

 

Free electives and specified group electives are often chosen to complement the student's career focus. The student's academic advisor assists with developing scheduling schemes that prepare students individually for careers in the animal industry. They are explained fully in AN S 110 and through appointments with the student's advisor.

Animal Science, B.S.  - pre-veterinary medicine

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
AN S 1101AN S 1142
AN S 1012CHEM 1774
BIOL 2113CHEM 177L1
BIOL 211L1Humanities - elective list3
ENGL 1503SP CM 212, AGEDS 311, AGEDS 327, or COMST 2143
LIB 1601STAT 101, 104, or 2263-4
MATH 140, 150, 160, or 1653-4 
Soc. Sci. - elective list3 
 17-18 16-17
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
AN S 2111AN S 2143
AN S 200 - elective list3AN S 214L1
AN S 200 - elective list3AN S 200 - elective list3
BIOL 2123CHEM 3313
BIOL 212L1CHEM 331L1
CHEM 1783ENGL 2503
ECON 101, 102, or ACCT 2843Ethics - elective list3
 17 17
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
AN S 2101AN S 3203
AN S 3193AN S 3523
AN S 3313AN S 300 - elective list3
GEN 320 or BIOL 3133BBMB 301, 316, 404, or 4203
CHEM 3323US Diversity - elective list3
MICRO 201 or 3022-3 
MICRO 201L or 302L1 
 16-17 15
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
AN S 4111AN S 400 - Option 23
AN S 400 - Option 13International Perspective - elective list3
ENGL 302, 309, 312, or 3143Free elective3
PHYS 1314Free elective3
PHYS 131L1Free elective3
Free elective3 
Free elective2 
 17 15
Important Note:

This is only one of many equally-sound schedule sequences.

*

Credits currently required for application to Veterinary Medicine program at ISU (55 credits)

 

General Chemistry with lab (7)

Organic Chemistry with lab (4)

Biochemistry (3)

General Physics with lab (4)

General Biology with lab (8)

Genetics/Animal Breeding (3)

Mammalian Anatomy and/or Physiology (3)

English Composition (6)

Oral Communication (3)

Humanities and/or Social Sciences (6)

Other Electives (8)

Minors: Animal Science and Meat Science

All minors require at least 15 credits, including at least 6 credits in courses numbered 300 or above taken at Iowa State University. The minor must include at least 9 credits that are not used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement.

The department offers a minor in Animal Science. The minor requires:

AN S 101Working with Animals2
AN S 114Survey of the Animal Industry2
AN S 214Domestic Animal Physiology3
AN S 214LDomestic Animal Anatomy and Physiology Lab1
One course from the following:3
Equine Science
Poultry Science
Companion Animal Science
Swine Science
Beef Cattle Science
Sheep Science
Dairy Cattle Science
Foods of Animal Origin
and Foods of Animal Origin Laboratory
One course from the following:3
Exercise Physiology of Animals
Animal Nutrition
Domestic Animal Reproduction
Growth and Development of Domestic Animals
Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animals
One course from the following:2-3
Animal Nutrition
Animal Feeds and Feeding
Domestic Animal Reproduction
Food Processing for Companion Animals
Domestic Animal Behavior and Well-Being
Lactation
Growth and Development of Domestic Animals
Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animals
Fresh Meat Science and Applied Muscle Biology
Advanced Animal Nutrition
Total Credits16-17

A total of 9 credits must be earned at Iowa State University in animal science coursework that meets a degree requirement for the B.S. degree in animal science. Students interested in the Animal Science minor should contact an Animal Science advisor.

Minor - Meat Science

The department offers a minor in Meat Science. The minor requires:

AN S 270Foods of Animal Origin2
AN S 270LFoods of Animal Origin Laboratory1
AN S 360Fresh Meat Science and Applied Muscle Biology3
AN S 460Science and Technology of Value Added Meat Products3
One course from the following:1
Issues in Food Safety
Independent Study: Meat Science
5-6 Credits from the following5-6
Food Processing for Companion Animals
Food Quality Management and Control
Food Chemistry
Food Laws and Regulations
Sensory Evaluation of Food
Food Analysis
Food Product Development
Food Microbiology
Food Processing
Microbiological Safety of Foods of Animal Origins
Total Credits15-16

Students majoring in Animal Science will not be allowed to count the 9 required credits (270, 270L, 360, 460) toward their Animal Science degree. Students interested in the Meat Science minor should contact an Animal Science advisor.

The Department of Animal Science offers certificates in:

All certificates require at least 24 credits, including at least 18 credits at the 300 or 400 level. At least 9 credits must be unique to the certificate and will not be applied to a major, minor, or another certificate. All courses applied to the certificate must be taken for a grade. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required to complete the program and receive the certificate. 

Beef Cattle Production Management

Foundation Course (3 credits)

AN S 226Beef Cattle Science3

Fundamental Disciplines in Animal Science (9 credits)

AN S 320Animal Feeds and Feeding3
AN S 331Domestic Animal Reproduction3
AN S 352Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animals3

Expertise Expansion (3 credits)

AGRON 280Crop Development, Production and Management3
AGRON 334Forage Crop Management3
AN S 333Embryo Transfer and Related Technologies3
AN S 336Domestic Animal Behavior and Well-Being *3
AN S 345Growth and Development of Domestic Animals *3
AN S 360Fresh Meat Science and Applied Muscle Biology *3
TSM 327Livestock and Poultry Production: Facilities, Technology, and Management *3
TSM 455Feed Processing and Technology3
TSM 457Feed Safety, Ingredient Quality and Analytics3
VDPAM 487Livestock Disease Prevention *3
*

Course fulfills the Animal Science degree discipline expansion requirement unless designated as a unique course in the certificate

Enterprise Management (3 credits)

AGEDS 451Agricultural Law3
ECON 230Farm Business Management ^3
ECON 235Introduction to Agricultural Markets3
ECON 332Cooperatives3
ECON 334Entrepreneurship in Agriculture3
^

Course is a prerequisite for AN S 426

Beef Cattle Production Emphasis (6 credits)

AN S 426Beef Cattle Systems Management3
AN S 399AAnimal Science Internship: Graded Internship Experience3

Dairy Cattle Production Management Certificate

Foundation Course (3 credits)

AN S 235Dairy Cattle Science3

Fundamental Disciplines in Animal Science (9 credits)

AN S 320Animal Feeds and Feeding3
AN S 331Domestic Animal Reproduction3
AN S 337Lactation3

Expertise Expansion (3 credits)

AGRON 280Crop Development, Production and Management3
AGRON 334Forage Crop Management3
AN S 333Embryo Transfer and Related Technologies3
AN S 335Dairy Cattle Evaluation3
AN S 345Growth and Development of Domestic Animals *3
AN S 352Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animals3
AN S 419Advanced Animal Nutrition2
FS HN 407Microbiological Safety of Foods of Animal Origins3
MICRO 302Biology of Microorganisms3
TSM 327Livestock and Poultry Production: Facilities, Technology, and Management *3
TSM 455Feed Processing and Technology *3
TSM 457Feed Safety, Ingredient Quality and Analytics *3
*

Courses fulfill the Animal Science degree discipline expansion requirement unless designated as a unique course in the certificate

Enterprise Management (3 credits)

AGEDS 451Agricultural Law3
ECON 230Farm Business Management ^3
ECON 235Introduction to Agricultural Markets3
ECON 332Cooperatives3
ECON 334Entrepreneurship in Agriculture3
ECON 337Agricultural Marketing3
^

Course is a prerequisite for AN S 434

Dairy Cattle Production Emphasis (6 credits)

AN S 434Dairy Systems Management3
or AN S 435 Applied Dairy Farm Evaluation
AN S 399AAnimal Science Internship: Graded Internship Experience3

Equine Science and Management Certificate

Foundation Course (3 credits)

AN S 216Equine Science3

Fundamental Disciplines in Animal Science (6 credits)

AN S 320Animal Feeds and Feeding3
AN S 331Domestic Animal Reproduction3

Equine Expertise Expansion (6 credits)

AN S 217Equine Farm Practicum2
AN S 306Equine Evaluation3
AN S 313Exercise Physiology of Animals *3
AN S 316Equine Reproduction Lab3
AN S 317AFundamentals of Equine Behavior and Training: Young Horses at Halter1
AN S 317BFundamentals of Equine Behavior and Training: Yearlings3
*

Courses fulfill the Animal Science degree discipline expansion requirement unless designated as a unique course in the certificate

Expertise Expansion (3 credits)

ACCT 215Legal Environment of Business3
AGEDS 451Agricultural Law3
AGRON 334Forage Crop Management3
AN S 333Embryo Transfer and Related Technologies3
AN S 336Domestic Animal Behavior and Well-Being *3
AN S 337Lactation3
AN S 345Growth and Development of Domestic Animals *3
ECON 320Labor Economics3
ECON 334Entrepreneurship in Agriculture3
*

Courses fulfill the Animal Science degree discipline expansion requirement unless designated as a unique course in the certificate

Equine Management Emphasis (6 credits)

AN S 415Equine Systems Management3
AN S 399AAnimal Science Internship: Graded Internship Experience3

Poultry Production Management Certificate

Foundation Course (3 credits)

AN S 223Poultry Science3

Fundamental Disciplines in Animal Science (9 credits)

AN S 320Animal Feeds and Feeding3
AN S 331Domestic Animal Reproduction3
AN S 352Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animals3

Expertise Expansion (3 credits)

AN S 336Domestic Animal Behavior and Well-Being *3
AN S 345Growth and Development of Domestic Animals *3
AN S 360Fresh Meat Science and Applied Muscle Biology *3
TSM 327Livestock and Poultry Production: Facilities, Technology, and Management *3
TSM 455Feed Processing and Technology3
TSM 457Feed Safety, Ingredient Quality and Analytics3
VDPAM 487Livestock Disease Prevention *3
AN S 373APoultry Products Technology #3
AN S 373BApplied Avian Physiology #3
AN S 373CAvian Health #3
AN S 373DPoultry Nutrition #3
*

Courses fulfill the Animal Science degree discipline expansion requirement unless designated as a unique course in the certificate

#

Courses are held as part of the Midwest Poultry Consortium COE courses during the summer

Enterprise Management (3 credits)

AGEDS 451Agricultural Law3
ECON 230Farm Business Management3
ECON 235Introduction to Agricultural Markets3
ECON 332Cooperatives3
ECON 334Entrepreneurship in Agriculture3

Poultry Production Emphasis (6 credits, to include AN S 399 and choice of one 400-level management)

AN S 399AAnimal Science Internship: Graded Internship Experience3
AN S 473APoultry Enterprise Management #3
AN S 473BBreeder Flock and Hatchery Management #3
#

Courses are held as part of the Midwest Poultry Consortium COE courses during the summer


Swine Production Management Certificate

Foundation Course (3 credits)

AN S 225Swine Science3

Fundamental Disciplines in Animal Science (9 credits)

AN S 320Animal Feeds and Feeding3
AN S 331Domestic Animal Reproduction3
AN S 352Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animals3

Expertise Expansion (3 credits)

AGRON 280Crop Development, Production and Management3
AN S 333Embryo Transfer and Related Technologies3
AN S 336Domestic Animal Behavior and Well-Being *3
AN S 345Growth and Development of Domestic Animals *3
AN S 360Fresh Meat Science and Applied Muscle Biology *3
AN S 380CEmployee Management for the Swine Industry1
AN S 380DFarrowing Management1
AN S 380ESwine Feed Mill Management1
AN S 380FMarketing and Risk Management in the Swine Industry1
AN S 380GSwine Nursery and Finishing Management1
AN S 382Swine Environment Management1
AN S 383Swine Manure and Nutrient Management1
AN S 384Swine Health and Biosecurity1
TSM 327Livestock and Poultry Production: Facilities, Technology, and Management *3
TSM 455Feed Processing and Technology3
TSM 457Feed Safety, Ingredient Quality and Analytics3
VDPAM 487Livestock Disease Prevention *3
*

Courses fulfill the Animal Science degree discipline expansion requirement unless designated as a unique course in the certificate

Enterprise Management (3 credits)

AGEDS 451Agricultural Law3
ECON 230Farm Business Management3
ECON 235Introduction to Agricultural Markets3
ECON 332Cooperatives3
ECON 334Entrepreneurship in Agriculture3

Swine Production Emphasis (6 credits)

AN S 425Swine Systems Management3
AN S 399AAnimal Science Internship: Graded Internship Experience3

Graduate Study

The department offers work for the degrees master of science and doctor of philosophy with majors in animal breeding and genetics; meat science; animal physiology; animal science; and an interdepartmental program in nutritional sciences which has an option in animal nutrition. Minor work is offered in these areas to students taking major work in other departments.

A strong undergraduate program is required for students interested in graduate study. Fundamental training in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and statistics is requisite to a satisfactory graduate program. Graduate programs in animal science include supporting work in areas such as agricultural engineering, agronomy; anatomy; biochemistry; chemistry; economics; environmental science; food science and human nutrition; genetics; microbiology; physics; physiology; and statistics. Students may choose graduate programs involving a co-major with one of these areas. Graduate work in meat science is offered as a co-major in animal science and food science and human nutrition.

The department also cooperates in the interdepartmental program in professional agriculture and interdepartmental majors in genetics, immunobiology, microbiology, MCDB (molecular, cellular, and developmental biology), neuroscience, nutritional sciences, and toxicology (see Index).

The foreign language requirement, if any, is established on an individual basis by the program-of-study committee appointed to guide the work of the student.