Courses - Spring 2026
ANSC
Animal Science
Open Seats as of
06/27/2026 at 01:30 PM
The following courses may involve the use of animals. Students who are concerned about the use of animals in teaching have the responsibility to contact the instructor, prior to course enrollment, to determine whether animals are to be used in the course, whether class exercises involving animals are optional or required and what alternatives, if any, are available.
ANSC101
Principles of Animal Science
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
A comprehensive overview of the application of biology in the care and use of animals that live in close association with humans including food animals, companion animals, lab animals, zoo animals, etc. The role of science in modern food production using animals will be emphasized.
ANSC103
Principles of Animal Science Laboratory
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in ANSC101.
Restriction: Must be in one of the following programs (Environmental Sci & Pol-Environment & Agriculture; Agricultural and Veterinary Medicine; Agricultural Science and Technology) ; or must be in a major within the AGNR-Animal & Avian Sciences department; or permission of department required for students in other College of AGNR programs.
Laboratory focusing on the application of biology in the care and use of animals that live in close association with humans including livestock and companion animals. Labs will include live animals.
Students must pay a $50.00 laboratory materials fee.
ANSC105
Horse Care Practicum
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Restriction: Permission of the instructor.
Credit only granted for: ANSC108 or ANSC105.
Formerly: ANSC108.
This practicum course provides the opportunity for students to be involved in the routine care of the horses housed at the Campus Farm including grooming, feeding, turnout, first aid, record-keeping, and cleaning. Practical skills are supplemented with online learning.
ANSC115
Careers in the Animal Sciences
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ANSC101 and ANSC103.
Discussion of current employment opportunities in Animal Science, primarily by invited speakers. In addition, students will have the opportunity to prepare resumes and improve oral presentation skills while working with their peers.
ANSC201
Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals
Credits:
4
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ANSC101, ANSC103, BSCI170, and (BSCI180 or BSCI171).
The anatomy and physiology of domesticated animals with emphasis on functions related to homeostasis. Students will be developing an ability to think about material in processes. They will also gain experience in scientific writing and data analysis.
Students must pay a $50.00 laboratory materials fee.
ANSC210
Veterinary Terminology
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: ANSC204 and ANSC205; or ANSC201.
Restriction: Must be a major in Animal Sciences.
Additional information: The course is offered on-line through a series of self-paced modules on ELMS.
Students will learn terminology related to the clinical practice of small and large animal medicine including medical record terminology and a systems-based consideration of common practices and pathologies.
ANSC224
Small Ruminant Management
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in ANSC101 and ANSC103.
Restriction: Must be ANSC major (0104A, 0104E, 1299D).
Credit only granted for: ANSC245, ANSC247, or ANSC224.
This is a production-based sheep and goat management course that covers sheep and goat breeds and their uses, zoonoses, various approaches to management, preventative health, nutrition and breeding management of sheep flocks, pasture management, predator control and facility set-up, and marketable products. The course involves two lectures and one lab per week. The labs are hands-on and students should expect to work on the campus farm to provide care for the sheep and goats there, and participate fully in both lab and lecture.
Students must pay a $50.00 laboratory materials fee.
ANSC237
Equine Reproductive Management
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: ANSC232.
Credit only granted for: ANSC237 or INAG233.
Additional information: Course participation will include nightly checks of mares in the two weeks prior to parturition, and out-of-class time imprinting and working with newborn foals.
Students learn the fundamental skills necessary to manage an equine breeding herd including anatomy/physiology of genital tracts, estrus detection, manipulation of the estrous cycle, semen collection, pre- and post-foaling techniques, infertility, and health and nutrition of the mare, foal and stallion. Students will be required to spend ~ 30 hours during the spring semester caring for broodmares and foals and attending at least one foaling and estrous detection checks on broodmares outside of regularly scheduled class time.
ANSC250
Companion Animal Care and Management
Credit only granted for: ANSC250 and ANSC305.
Formerly: ANSC305.
Care and management of the companion small animals. Species covered include the cat, dog, rodents, lagomorphs, reptiles, amphibians, birds and others as class interest and schedule dictate. Basic description, evolutionary development, breeding, nutritional and environmental requirements, and public health aspects will be presented for each species.
Students must pay a $70.00 certifications fee.
ANSC262
Commercial Poultry Management
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: ANSC101 and ANSC103.
This course introduces the theory and science of poultry management and flock health, with an emphasis on basic poultry epidemiology in both commercial and backyard settings. Topics include poultry rearing, marketing of poultry meat and eggs, current industry issues, industry organization, and the fundamental biology of poultry. Students learn how management practices influence disease occurrence and spread, and apply introductory epidemiologic concepts to biosecurity, vaccination, and flock health decision-making in vertically integrated and small-scale systems. Students will examine the vertical integration of the commercial poultry industry through field trips and study backyard and small-scale poultry production, including biosecurity, housing, nutrition, and flock health management. During the semester, students will help raise flocks of broiler chickens and laying hens.
Students must pay a $50.00 laboratory materials fee.
ANSC282
Grazing Animal Management
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: ANSC101 and ANSC103; or permission of instructor.
Credit only granted for: ANSC110, ANSC282, or INAG116.
Formerly: ANSC110.
For students interested in acquiring knowledge and skills in pasture management, grazing management of livestock (large and small ruminants, horses), and hay production. Fundamental information regarding best management practices for soils, plants, and grazing livestock will be covered
ANSC315
Applied Animal Nutrition
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ANSC314.
Elements of nutrition, source characteristics and adaptability of various feedstuffs to several classes of livestock. A study of the composition of feeds, nutrient requirements and computerized formulation of economic diets and rations for livestock.
ANSC327
Molecular and Quantitative Animal Genetics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ANSC101, CHEM131, and BSCI170.
Classical, molecular, and population genetics with specific emphasis on animal systems will be covered. Also, disseminate information on molecular approaches for manipulating genetics at the whole animal level (transgenic and cloning). Other model organisms will be discussed to provide a conceptual framework.
ANSC330
Equine Science
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: ANSC232; or permission of instructor.
Recommended: ANSC212 and ANSC214; or ANSC201.
Credit only granted for: ANSC230 or ANSC330.
Formerly: ANSC230.
Students will explore key principles of equine anatomy, physiology, exercise, genetics, nutrition, and health management. Emphasis is placed on recognizing, managing, and preventing common equine disorders, providing students with the skills to address challenges faced by horse owners and farm managers. Through case studies and practical applications, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of maintaining equine well-being and optimizing performance.
Students must pay a $50.00 laboratory materials fee.
ANSC340
Health Management of Animal Populations
Prerequisite: BSCI223; and (ANSC232, ANSC237, ANSC242, ANSC245, ANSC246, ANSC247, ANSC250, ANSC255, ANSC260, ANSC262, or ANSC282).
Recommended: ANSC212 or ANSC201.
A study of common and emerging animal infectious diseases and their prevention and control. The main focus will be on diseases of livestock, poultry, and companion animals; however, zoonotic, wildlife, and laboratory animal diseases will also be discussed along with biosecurity measures.
ANSC359
Internship Experience in Animal and Avian Sciences
Prerequisite: ANSC220, ANSC232, ANSC242, ANSC250, ANSC255, ANSC260, or ANSC262. Restriction: Must be in a major within the AGNR-Animal & Avian Sciences department; and permission of instructor.
ANSC388
Honors Thesis Research
Credits:
3 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
ANSC389
Experiential Learning
Credits:
3 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
ANSC399
Special Problems in Animal Science
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
ANSC401
Animal Growth and Development for Production Agriculture
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ANSC201.
An integration of the physiological, genetic, and nutritional bases of animal growth, development, and body composition with application to livestock production.
ANSC440
Zoonotic Diseases and Control
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: 1 course from (BSCI223, ANSC201, ANSC212, ANSC327, BSCI222, BSCI421, NFSC430); or students who have taken courses with comparable content may contact the department.
Examines zoonotic diseases of importance in the United States and worldwide, with an emphasis on those originating from farm animals as well as those transmitted by vectors such as rodents and arthropods. Topics include major foodborne and vector-borne zoonoses, principles of transmission and control, human risk factors, and surveillance methods. Students will also explore the historical and emerging significance of zoonotic diseases, approaches to vector management, alternatives to pesticide use, and relevant regulations and safety measures.
ANSC444
Domestic Animal Endocrinology
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ANSC212 or ANSC201.
Restriction: Must not have completed ANSC644.
Credit only granted for: ANSC444 or ANSC644.
A comprehensive course covering the major endocrine systems in domestic animals. Topics include each of the major endocrine axes, hormonal regulation of homeostasis, growth and reproduction, molecular endocrinology and endocrine mechanisms of action.
ANSC445
Comparative Gut Physiology & Diseases
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: ANSC212 or ANSC201.
Explores the anatomy, histology, and physiology of the gastrointestinal (GI) system in humans and animals, including dogs, pigs, horses, cattle, and birds. Students will study how gut function supports health and development, and how it becomes disrupted in common and emerging diseases. The course also explores the gut's functions beyond the GI tract, including its roles in the gut-liver and gut-brain axes, while reviewing important research on gastrointestinal disorders. It prepares students for careers in veterinary and human medicine, industry, and scientific research.
ANSC453
Animal Welfare and Bioethics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ANSC101 and ANSC103; or BSCI160 and (BSCI180 or BSCI161); or permission of instructor.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
Ethical concerns related to the use of animals in modern society. Historical and philosophical overview of animal welfare and bioethics. Applied ethical discussions on human/animal interrelationships, physical and genetic manipulation, and other current issues associated with the treatment of animals used in food production, research, zoos, and as pets.
ANSC624
Recent Advances in Animal and Avian Sciences
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg
Restriction: Must be an Animal Sciences graduate student.
This graduate seminar provides students with the opportunity to present and critically discuss current research in animal and avian sciences. Each student will deliver presentations on their research-in-progress to peers and faculty, gaining experience in clearly communicating scientific ideas, defending research approaches, and responding effectively to questions. Through structured feedback and peer-to-peer exchange, students will strengthen their presentation skills, broaden their understanding of diverse research topics within the field, and refine their ability to think critically about scientific inquiry.
ANSC627
Molecular and Quantitative Genetics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Classical, molecular, and population genetics with specific emphasis on animal systems will be covered. Also, disseminate information on molecular approaches for manipulating genetics at the whole animal level (transgenic and cloning). Other model organisms will be discussed to provide a conceptual framework.
ANSC660
Poultry Literature
Credits:
1 - 4
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Readings on individual topics are assigned. Written reports required. Methods of analysis and presentation of scientific material are discussed.
ANSC688J
Special Topics; Zoonotic Diseases and Control
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisites: BSCI223; recommended NFSC430; or permission of instructor.
Lectures will take a global perspective of foodborne diseases common to animals and man, specifically those caused by farm animal-originated human pathogens (zoonoses) and their control. A selection of important zoonoses and food safety issues will be specifically covered with an emphasis on the principles of zoonotic disease transmission and control, risk factors to humans, and surveillance mehtods.
Lectures will take a global perspective of foodborne diseases common to animals and man, specifically those caused by farm animal-originated human pathogens (zoonoses) and their control. A selection of important zoonoses and food safety issues will be specifically covered with an emphasis on the principles of zoonotic disease transmission and control, risk factors to humans, and surveillance mehtods.
ANSC699
Special Problems in Animal Science
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
ANSC799
Master's Thesis Research
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
S-F
ANSC898
Pre-Candidacy Research
Credits:
1 - 8
Grad Meth:
Reg
ANSC899
Doctoral Dissertation Research
Credits:
6
Grad Meth:
S-F
Flagship Institution of the University System of Maryland
University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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