Undergraduate Courses

ANSC 107. General Animal Science. (3-0) Credit 3. I, II, S
Instructors:
Dr. Shawn Ramsey & Staff
Scientific animal agriculture; selection, reproduction, nutrition, management and marketing of beef cattle, swine, sheep, goats and horses; evaluation and processing of meat, wool and mohair. Importance of livestock and meat industries.
Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in ANSC 108 required.

ANSC 108. General Animal Science. (0-2) Credit 1. I, II, S
Instructor:
Staff
Laboratory to accompany ANSC 107.
Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in ANSC 107 required.

ANSC 117. Texas Barbecue. (1-0) Credit 1.
Instructor: Dr. Jeff Savell & Ray Riley
Survey, demonstration and participation in preparation techniques
of Texas barbecue; comparison of regional and international barbecue methods. Prerequisite: First year students.

ANSC 201. Introductory Equine Care & Use. (2-2) Credit 2. I, II
Instructor:
 Haley Collins
Survey of basic equine care and use; breeds of horses and their use; care and maintenance of equines including feeding, health care, housing and equipment.

ANSC 207. Art & Heritage of Livestock. (3-0) Credit 3.
Instructor: Staff
Using art as a venue to understand the legacy and heritage of livestock production and livestock’s contribution to civilization and society; from man as hunter, agriculturist, and finally, as industrialist; from cave painting to Russell and Remington; history of the effects of painting, poetry, architecture and sculpture on agriculture.

ANSC 210. Companion Animal Science. (3-0) Credit 3.
Instructor: Staff
Types, care, physiology, common diseases and common treatments of companion animals (dogs, cats, exotic pets); careers including biomedical research; solution for problems such as behavior and overpopulation.
Prerequisites: ANSC 107.

ANSC 211. Equine Industry and Career Preparation. Credit 2.
Instructor: Staff
Identify opportunities and skill sets required to pursue a career in the equine industry; development of resume, communication, professional etiquette and interview skills.
Prerequisites: ANSC 107.

ANSC 221. Equine Handling and Safety. (2-2) Credit 3.
Instructor: Staff
Working around horses safely and effectively; includes equine behavior, proper handling techniques, controlling movement of horses, health assessment and basic management.
Prerequisites: ANSC 107.

ANSC 230. Animal and Research Experience. Credit 2.
Instructor: Staff
Hands-on experience with farm animals; development and understanding of the scientific method; demonstration of critical thinking skills to evaluate scientific information.
Prerequisites: ANSC 107.

ANSC 242. Growth & Development of Livestock. (3-0) Credit 3. II
Instructor:
Dr. Tom Welsh
Evaluation of slaughter livestock as related to growth and development, production efficiency, carcass value; selection of breeding animals based on performance, production records and visual appraisal; principles of growth biology; biotechnological tools used to manage growth and development.
Prerequisites: ANSC 107 and ANSC 108.

ANSC 289. Special Topics – Equine Handling and Safety. Credit 1-4.
Instructor:
 Haley Collins
Selected topics in an identified area of animal science. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: Approval of instructor.

ANSC 289. Special Topics – Equine Industry and Career Prep. Credit 1-4.
Instructor:
 Anna Morrison
Selected topics in an identified area of animal science. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: Approval of instructor.

ANSC 289. Special Topics – Animal and Research Experience. Credit 1-4.
Instructor:
 Dr. Kathrin Dunlap
Selected topics in an identified area of animal science. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: Approval of instructor.

ANSC 289. Special Topics – Introduction to Livestock Evaluation. Credit 1-4.
Instructor:
 Brant Poe
Selected topics in an identified area of animal science. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: Approval of instructor.

ANSC 291. Research. Credit 1-4.
Instructor:
Staff
Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in animal science. May be repeated two times for credit.
Prerequisites: Freshman or sophomore classification and approval of instructor; 2.0 GPR in major and overall.

ANSC 302. Basic Beef Cattle Production. (3-0) Credit 3. I
Instructor:
Dr. Jason Cleere
Fundamental concepts of beef management and production principles. Service course recommended for non-animal science majors.
Prerequisites: ANSC 107 & ANSC 108.

ANSC 303. Principles of Animal Nutrition. (3-0) Credit 3. I, II, S
Instructor:
Dr. Tryon Wickersham
Scientific approach to nutritional roles of water, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, minerals, vitamins, and other dietary components; emphasis on the comparative aspects of gastrointestinal tracts and on digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients.
Prerequisites: CHEM 222, CHEM 227, or equivalent. Cross-listed with NUTR 303.

ANSC 305. Animal Breeding. (2-2) Credit 3. I, II, Summer of even numbered years
Instructor:
Dr. Jim Sanders
A systems approach to selection and mating of livestock; gene frequency, heritability, relationship, inbreeding, linebreeding, heterosis, crossbreeding, direct and correlated response to selection, and use of pedigree, family, progeny testing and indices for selection.
Prerequisites: ANSC 107 and ANSC 108; GENE 301; STAT 301.

ANSC 307. Meats. (2-3) Credit 3. I, II, S
Instructor:
Dr. Jeff Savell
Integrated studies of the meat animal processing sequence regarding the production of meat-type animals and the science and technology of their conversion to human food.
Prerequisites: ANSC 107 and ANSC 108. Cross-listed with FSTC 307.

ANSC 310. Behavior & Management of Domestic Animals. (2-2) Credit 3. I, II
Instructor:
Dr. Courtney Daigle
Application of behavior of cattle, horses, sheep, goats and swine to their management; basic principles, physiology of behavior, perception, training, predators, use of dogs in livestock production, stress and animal welfare.
Prerequisites: ANSC 107 and ANSC 108.

ANSC 311. Equine Behavior & Training. (1-5) Credit 3. I, II
Instructor:
Dr. Martha Vogelsang
Equine behavior and application of principles of psychology to training horses; systematic approaches to horse training emphasizing principles of learning; equipment and its use; stable management and preparation of horses for competition; separate laboratory sections for students with varying backgrounds.

ANSC 312. Equestrian Technology. (1-3) Credit 2. I, II
Instructor:
Dr. Martha Vogelsang
Advanced scientific methods and techniques for execution of performances in hunter, dressage and stock horse events; anatomical, physiological and psychological implications; preparation of horses and riders.

ANSC 314. Wool Evaluation and Grading. (1-3) Credit 2. I
Instructor:
Dr. Shawn Ramsey
Evaluation of U.S.D.A. grades for wool and mohair; steps involved in processing raw wool into finished fabric; genetic and environmental factors affecting quality characterisitics of wool and mohair; grading, evaluation and selection of fleeces for economic value; oral and written defense of judgments.

ANSC 315. Livestock Judging. (1-3) Credit 2. I
Instructor:
Dr. Chris Skaggs
Selection and evaluation of beef cattle, swine, sheep and horses. Ability to present accurate, clear and concise oral and written reasons stressed.
Prerequisites: ANSC 107 and ANSC 108; junior or senior classification.

ANSC 316. Equine Selection & Judging. (1-3) Credit 2. II
Instructor:
 Haley Collins
Detailed evaluation of athletic performance of horses; influence of heredity, conformation, training and other environmental effects; use of performance and racing records and visual appraisal; industry trends; oral and written defense of judgments.
Prerequisites: ANSC 311 or equivalent experience.

ANSC 317. Meat Selection, Evaluation, and Grading. (1-3) Credit 2. I
Instructor:
Dr. Jeff Savell
Selection and grading of carcasses and wholesale cuts of beef, pork and lamb; principles of evaluation included in carcass contests and progeny testing.
Prerequisites: ANSC 107 and ANSC 108.

ANSC 318. Feeds and Feeding. (2-3) Credit 3. I, II, Summer of even numbered years
Instructor:
Dr. Gordon Carstens
Characteristics of feedstuffs used in livestock enterprises; manual and computer ration formulation procedures and life cycle nutritional management of beef, swine, sheep, dairy, horses, fish and pets; methods of grain, protein supplement and forage processing and evaluation; commercial and on-the-farm feed mixing methods and feed control laws.
Prerequisite: ANSC 303.

ANSC 320. Animal Nutrition and Feeding. (3-0) Credit 3. I, II
Instructor:
Staff
Nutritional functions of water, protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins and their digestion, absorption, use and excretion; energy, protein and forage feedstuff characteristics and processing; nutritional requirements, ration formulation and feeding methods for farm animals; general course for non-animal science majors.
Prerequisites: CHEM 222 and CHEM 227.

ANSC 325. Advanced Livestock and Product Evaluation. (1-3) Credit 2.
Instructor:
Staff
Advanced evaluation of cattle, swine, sheep & equine; products produced or associated with each species; advanced oral or written defense of judgements associated with changing trends in these industries.
Prerequisites: ANSC 107 and ANSC 108.

ANSC 335. Purebred Beef Cattle Management. (1-2) Credit 2.
Instructor:
Staff
Information and skills needed to be successful in the production, managment and merchandising of purebred beef cattle; purpose and organization of the purebred beef cattle industry, and career opportunities in the industry.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

ANSC 337. Meat Merchandising. (1-3) Credit 2.
Instructor:
Dr. Jeff Savell
Steps of meat processing and merchandising of retail and foodservice; merchandising practices such as selection, identification, fabrication, pricing, packaging and distribution.
Prerequisites: ANSC 307; junior or senior classification.

ANSC 402. Exploring Animal Industries. (2-0) Credit 2. I, II
Instructor:
 Staff
Instruction for students nearing the end of their undergraduate studies; theoretical understanding of organizations and human resources available to students; awareness and understanding of the job application process, resume and cover letter writing; networking, professional and business attire; ethics related to job searches and retention.
Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification.

ANSC 406. Beef Cattle Production and Management. (3-2) Credit 4. I, II, S
Instructor:
Dr. Andy Herring
Basic principles and methods of application involved in breeding, feeding, management, marketing and disease control in cow-calf production.
Prerequisites: ANSC 303, ANSC 305, ANSC 318; ANSC 433 or registration therein.

ANSC 408. Management of Stocker and Feedlot Cattle. (2-2) Credit 3. II
Instructor:
Dr. Jason Sawyer
Basic principles involved in feeding, management, marketing and disease control of stocker and feeder cattle from weaning through slaughter for economical production of beef.
Prerequisites: ANSC 305, ANSC 406, ANSC 433.

ANSC 411. Equine Nutrition and Health. Credit 3.
Instructor:
 Dr. Jessica Leatherwood and Dr. Sarah White
Designed to provide knowledge of nutrition and health in the horse; gastrointestinal anatomy, nutrient utilization, feeding management and nutritional requirements; metabolic diseases, infectious diseases, internal and external parasites, and herd health management.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification and approval of instructor.

ANSC 412. Swine Production and Management. (3-2) Credit 4. I
Instructor: Staff
Basic principles and their practical application in efficient, economical pork production; all areas of production – breeding and selection, nutrition, housing and equipment, marketing, herd health and economic management.
Prerequisites: ANSC 318 or registration therein for animal science majors; ANSC 320 or registration therein for non-animal science majors.

ANSC 414. Sheep and Goat Production and Management. (3-2) Credit 4. II
Instructor:
Dr. Shawn Ramsey
Application of basic principles of genetics, physiology and nutrition to practical sheep and angora goat production systems; management, health care and marketing of animals and fiber.
Prerequisites: ANSC 303 and 318 or approval of instructor.

ANSC 415. Comparative Ruminant Animal Nutrition.
Instructor:
 Dr. Luis Tedeschi
Information will be provided as it becomes available.
Prerequisite:

ANSC 418. Equine Exercise Physiology. Credit 3.
Instructor:
 Dr. Sarah White
Changes within the systems of the horse resulting from the physical stresses of exercise, adaptations of systems in response to a training regimen; methodology for measuring improvement in physical condition; foundation for development of training programs for horses in moderate, intense or prolonged performance activities.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification and approval of instructor.

ANSC 419. Equine Reproduction. Credit 3.
Instructor:
 Dr. Martha Vogelsang
Reproductive anatomy of the stallion and mare; industry and scientific practices; comprehensive analysis of the body of scientific research; development of critical thinking ability to assess and discuss previous research in comparison of needed research.
Prerequisite: ANSC 201 and junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

ANSC 420. Equine Production and Management. (3-2) Credit 4. II
Instructor:
 Dr. Martha Vogelsang
Application of biological and biotechnological principles and concepts in areas including genetics, breeding, nutrition, reproduction, immunology, parasitology, anatomy and exercise physiology to efficient production of horses for market; management of equine enterprises.
Prerequisites: ANSC 201, ANSC 305, ANSC 318, and ANSC 433.

ANSC 421. Stock Horse Advanced Training. Credit 3.
Instructor:
 Staff
Theory and practice of applying scientific principles of psychology and behavior modification to advanced training of the stock horse; exercise conditioning and humane training methods to maximize learning effectiveness; current industry trends for preparing horses and showing in stock horse events. Prerequisite: ANSC 311 and previous riding experience.
Prerequisite:

ANSC 423. Issues in the Equine Industry. Credit 3.
Instructor:
 Dr. Anna Morrison
Integration of cumulative knowledge acquired in the equine science curriculum to demonstrate critical thinking and communication skills to address critical issues in the equine industry.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification and approval of instructor.

ANSC 424. Equine Sales Management. Credit 3.
Instructor:
 Dr. Anna Morrison
Hands-on horse sale management experience through planning and conducting the Texas A&M University Department of Animal Science Horse Sale.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification and approval of instructor.

ANSC 431. Equine Marketing and Development. (3-0) Credit 3.
Instructor:
 Staff
Scope of domestic and international equine industry; safe handling and transport of horses for export or import; career opportunities in the equine field.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.

ANSC 433. Reproduction in Farm Animals. (2-2) Credit 3. I, II, S
Instructor:
Dr. Carey Satterfield
Physiological principles of reproductive processes in cattle, sheep, swine, and horses including sperm and ova production, estrus, fertilization, gestation and parturition; techniques of semen evaluation and storage, estrous synchronization, embryo transfer and pregnancy determination.
Prerequisite: Junior classification.

ANSC 434. Artificial Breeding of Livestock. (2-2) Credit 3. I, II, S
Instructor:
Staff
Available and emerging technologies; strategies including artificial insemination, embryo manipulation and transfer, control of ovulation, sex ratio manipulation and animal cloning for managing the reproductive function of farm animals; hands-on sessions using available technologies including artificial insemination of cattle.
Prerequisite: ANSC 433, priority enrollment given to graduating seniors in animal science.

ANSC 436. Texas Panhandle Beef Tour.
Instructor:
 Dr. Tryon Wickersham
Information will be provided as it becomes available.
Prerequisite:

ANSC 437. Marketing and Grading of Livestock and Meats. (2-2) Credit 3. I, II
Instructor:
Dr. Jeff Savell
Study of USDA livestock and carcass grades; understanding current market trends for beef, pork, lamb and goat; review of branded and certified programs; principles applied in contracting, breakeven determination, hedging, and grid or formula pricing.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

ANSC 439. Feedlot Risk Management. (2-0) Credit 2. II
Instructor:
Staff
Advanced study of livestock marketing techniques; cash sales, video sales, futures and options markets, forward contracting; problem solving real-time livestock marketing situations; risk of ownership of hypothetical livestock operations.
Prerequisites: ANSC 437.

ANSC 447. Advanced Meat Science & Technology. (3-3) Credit 4.
Instructor:
Dr. Rhonda Miller
Advanced basic and applied studies of meat science and/or technology utilizing the underlying physiological and structural components for conversion to human food; understanding the influence of pre- and post-harvest factors on meat quality, composition, color, packaging, sensory and preparation factors; applying scientific and business principles to manufacturing and process flow of commercial meat food products and demonstrating knowledge of these principles through development of meat products.
Prerequisites: ANSC 307; CHEM 222 or approval of instructor; junior or senior classification.

ANSC 457. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System. (3-0) Credit 3.
Instructor:
Dr. Kerri Gehring
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles specifically related to meat and poultry; microbiological and process overviews; good manufacturing practices and standard operating procedures development.
Prerequisites: FSTC 326 or approval of instructor. Cross-listed with FSTC 457.

ANSC 481. Seminar. (1-0) Credit 1. I, II, S
Instructor:
Staff
Review of literature and research problems related to the livestock and food industries; preparation of a technical report including an oral presentation supported by a written technical paper.
Prerequisite: Priority enrollment given to graduating seniors in animal science.

ANSC 484. Livestock Practicum. (0-2) Credit 1. I, II
Instructor:
Dr. Shawn Ramsey
Provides students an opportunity to learn some skills required in livestock production; planned for students who have had limited farm and ranch experience in one or more species.
Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification in animal science or approval of instructor.

ANSC 485. Problems. Credit 1 to 4. I, II, S
Instructor:
Staff
Directed individual study of selected problem in field of animal science. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification; written approval of professor supervising the activity; 2.0 GPR in major and overall.

ANSC 487. Sensory Evaluation of Foods. (2-2) Credit 3. II
Instructor:
Dr. Rhonda Miller
Application of sensory science principles and practices to food systems including an understanding of discriminative, descriptive and consumer sensory techniques.
Prerequisites: CHEM 222 or CHEM 228; Junior or senior classification.

ANSC 489. Special Topics – Ag and Animal Production Ireland/UK. Credit 1 to 4. I, II, S
Instructor:
 Dr. Shawn Ramsey
Selected topics in an identified area of animal science. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

ANSC 489. Special Topics – Current Issues in Animal Agriculture. Credit 1 to 4. I, II, S
Instructor:
 Dr. Gary Smith
Selected topics in an identified area of animal science. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

ANSC 489. Special Topics – Meat Animal Evaluation. Credit 1 to 4. I, II, S
Instructor:
 Staff
Selected topics in an identified area of animal science. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification.

ANSC 491. Research. Credit 1-4.
Instructor:
Staff
Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in animal science. May be repeated three times for credit.
Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification and approval of instructor; 2.0 GPR in major and overall.

ANSC 494. Animal Science Internship. Credit 1 to 5. I, II, S
Instructor:
Staff

ANSC Students,

Per Texas A&M University leadership, all summer courses offered through Texas A&M University in the first, second, and 10-week summer terms will be delivered online due to precautions surrounding COVID-19.  The Department of Animal Science strongly believes internship opportunities should be face-to-face and hands-on; therefore, we will not be enrolling students in internship credits for the summer of 2020.  The Department of Animal Science will not restrict students from seeking summer employment opportunities on their own, but will not be able to enroll for credit through the department.  If you are a graduating senior (August 2020 only) and are in need of internship credits to complete your degree, please contact Dr. Sushil Paudyal via email (sushilpaudyal@tamu.edu) by April 17, 2020 for additional information.  Please continue to stay safe.

Independent study and supervised field experience related to the student’s professional interest.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor; 2.0 GPR in major and overall.

VLCS 422. Equine Disease and Epidemiology. Credit 3.
Instructor:
 Dr. Noah Cohen
Principles and methods of epidemiology applied to equine health and prevention and control of selected equine infectious diseases.
Prerequisite: Enrollment in equine certificate and junior or senior classification, or approval of instructor.

Comments are closed.