Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College · Courses
ANSC
92 courses with the subject ANSC, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
ANSC 100Introduction to Animal Industries3
This course will introduce students to the breadth and scope of animal agriculture in North America with emphasis on food producing animals. Additionally, fiber producing animals, pets, pleasure animals, and alternative livestock will also be studied. Students will be exposed to biological concepts and their relationship to contemporary production systems, economics, terminology and industry issues to enhance understanding of and appreciation for various uses of animals in North America. The course is available in a web-based format with extensive Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 3557 use of video tours of animal housing facilities, expert interviews, and explanations of the biology behind common production and food safety practices. General Education: Natural Sciences (GN) GenEd Learning Objective: Effective Communication GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Key Literacies
ANSC 107Introduction to Equine Science and the Equine Industry3
This web based course provides students with basic knowledge about equine science and its application to the industry to prepare them to be more effective communicators with industry personnel. Inductive and f deductive reasoning are introduced as a part of the scientific method and its application in critically evaluating products and concepts important to equine science and the industry. Equine science topics include basics of equine evolution, genetics and breeds, anatomy, physiology, reproduction, and nutrition. While these topics focus on the horse as a target, each topic also allows for comparisons to other mammalian species. Equine industry topics include history of use, disciplines, organization of the industry, components and careers; and prepare students to proceed into further studies in equine science. The course features presentations and interaction with industry professionals and instructors of higher level equine science courses at Penn State. In addition to the academic topics addressed, the course introduces students to using the university course management system, and the utilization of web based communication tools as individuals and as a team. General Education: Natural Sciences (GN) GenEd Learning Objective: Effective Communication GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking
Principles of marketing and event planning including marketing systems, advertising, management systems, team building and other aspects of conducting a purebred livestock sale. Students learn through the planning and conducting of the annual Penn State Equine Science Showcase and Registered Quarter Horse Sale. ANSC 117 Equine Marketing (2)The Equine Marketing course is designed to allow students the opportunity to learn information related to the marketing of horses. Specific topics will include letters on marketing methods, event planning and management, advertising layout and design, the significance of pre- purchase exams to the marketing process, preparation and presentation of sale animals, and the role of the auctioneer. In addition to classroom lectures, students will have the opportunity to put the information gathered to use through the planning of Penn State's annual Equine Science Showcase and Registered Quarter Horse Sale. Students will be assigned to committees and will be responsible for all of the planning and implementation of the event. Specific tasks will include development of advertisements, public relations, development of press releases, development of an online and hard copy sale catalog, development of all office paperwork for the sale, interaction with industry leaders to gain industry buy in for the event, working with outside breeders who participate in the event, set up, clean up, and preparation and presentation of the horses being offered for sale. Through the process students will also learn many skills necessary to be successful in
Supporting Courses and Related Areas Select 3 credits of W courses offered in the College Select 3 credits in biological, physical ecosystems Select 6 credits in environmental impact management Select 6 credits in environmental learning Select 3 credits in social, political, and legal aspects of enviro science Production Option
Composition, safety, palatability, preservation, and processing of foods from animals, impact of animal production and handling practices on product properties. FDSC 207 / ANSC 207 Animal Products Technology (2) This course is intended to give students knowledge and understanding of production and processing of foods derived from animals (meat, milk, and eggs). Upon completion of this course students will be able to describe and explain the physical and biochemical characteristics of muscle foods, milk, and eggs. Students will be able to describe and compare harvesting, processing, and preservation procedures used in preparation of animal products for human consumption. Students will be prepared to predict the impact of variations in animal production, handling, harvesting, and product processing on meat, milk, and egg product characteristics. This is one of a group of courses dealing with foods from animals. Related courses offered in Animal Science covers animal growth and development and evaluation of animals and meat products. Related courses in Food Science cover food microbiology, food chemistry, and meat and dairy processing technology. The content of this course is intended to emphasize the connection between animal production and the resulting food products. FDSC 207 / ANSC 207 is intended to be of general interest to people who produce or eat animal products and thus is an integral part of the Animal Sciences major. This course will also be useful for strengthening meat industry knowledge for students in Food Science. FDSC 207 / ANSC 207 will be offered one semester per year. Student performance will be evaluated through written exams, quizzes, and written reports. Cross-listed with: FDSC 207
Harvesting and processing of foods from animals; hands-on and demonstration exercises; industry procedures for processing meat, milk, and egg products. FDSC 208 / ANSC 208 Animal Products Technology Laboratory (1) This laboratory is intended to be taken along with or following Animal Products Technology lecture. Providing students with an opportunity to experience the procedures involved in harvesting and processing foods from animals. Upon completion of this course students will be able to describe, demonstrate, and explain procedures commonly used in harvesting and processing of muscle food, milk, and egg products. Students will be able to recognize and predict the impact
Introduces the biology of birds; lectures, laboratories on anatomy and function, incubation, breeding, disease control, management techniques, and student projects. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: BIOL 110
This course provides an early exposure to the emerging and diverse field of animal biotechnology. Basic principles underlying recombinant DNA technology, genetics, gene transfer technology, genomics and their technological applications will be discussed. This course is taught from the technological perspective that differs from the perspectives of basic science, or technique-oriented courses. The information provided in the required text-book, accompanying websites and current literature will be discussed extensively in the form of formal lectures, tutorials and review sessions. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: (CHEM 101 or CHEM 110 or CHEM 130) and BIOL 110
ANSC 215Pets in Society (3) (GS)Companion animals have far-reaching
influence on many aspects of human society. How humans relate to pets varies from individual to individual and is influenced by many factors. The field of human-animal interactions is quickly evolving and is supported by a variety of disciplines and empirical research. This course provides a broad introduction to the varied roles and influences of pets on human life and society. Topics of discussion include the historical, social, economic, scientific, and legal roles of pets in America society. The influence of companion animals on human development and mental health throughout the lifespan and in the case of disability is examined from a social science perspective. Genetics, breed, physical, and environmental influences play obvious and important roles in the development of canine and feline behavior and are used as examples of the multiple causes of behavioral development and expression. Learning theory and operant conditioning are discussed as they relate to dog and cat training. Newly discovered risks and benefits of animal ownership on human health are discussed, including the influence of pet ownership on cardiovascular disease and allergy development. Issues of responsible pet selection and ownership are discussed in relation to animal welfare and societal responsibility. Because of the emerging nature of human-animal interaction research, an important goal of the course is to instruct students on the scientific method and recognition Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 3559 of research methodologies. Critical evaluation of theoretical models and empirical research in class and small group discussions is used to show how these questions can be addressed scientifically. Throughout the course, students have the opportunity to gather information from various sources and make informed decisions on controversial topics and to understand the impact of individual actions and decisions on broader society. General Education: Social and Behavioral Scien (GS) GenEd Learning Objective: Effective Communication GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Soc Resp and Ethic Reason
Introductory analysis of halter and performance classes of stock- type horses, with emphasis on conformation, gaits, patterns, and oral reasons. ANSC 217 Introduction to Horse Judging (2) encompasses the introductory information necessary for students to begin their competency in horse evaluation. From external parts and critical evaluation of conformation of halter horses, to rail classes with gaits and transitions, to pattern classes with objective evaluation and scoring methods, to more specialized classes (trail, hunter hack, pleasure driving, etc.), students will expand their depth and breadth of knowledge for evaluating suitability to purpose of stock-type horses. Careful observation, critical thinking, decision-making and oral communication skills of students are repeatedly critiqued and enhanced in this course. Following successful completion of ANSC 217, students who elect to take ANSC 417 will be eligible to compete for a position on the Penn State Intercollegiate Horse Judging Team.Furthermore, this course serves as an elective for students outside of the Animal Sciences major and students throughout the University who simply have an equine interest; as well as a required course for students enrolled in the Equine Sciences minor offered by the Department of Dairy and Animal Science.
Training in the visual evaluation of dairy cattle and practice in defending decisions through oral reasons. ANSC 225 Introduction to Dairy Judging (1) Students will learn the basic concepts used in dairy cattle judging and evaluation. The Purebred Dairy Cattle Association Unified Scorecard will provide the framework for students to make decisions and enhance observation skills based on industry standards. Students will become familiar with terminology used to describe differences between cattle of the seven major dairy breeds as they judge classes of cows and heifers. n They will develop communications skills by defending these evaluation decisions through oral reasons.
ANSC 290 is a required course for Animal Science majors and minors. Each week during class, students are exposed to varied potential career paths within the animal industries. Students will develop a resume and cover letter, and attend the College's career fair to interact with potential employers.
ANSC 291Externship with Animal Science Business1-2
/Maximum of 4 Students will obtain a one-week on site work experience with an animal- related agribusiness. ANSC 291 Externship with Animal Science Business (1-2 per semester/maximum of 4) This course will provide an opportunity for students to acquire on-site skills and knowledge in a potential interest area of an animal-related agribusiness. Externship opportunities are provided during one week of winter break and one week of spring break and 1 credit is earned for each experience. Student responsibilities are to: prepare a cover letter and resume; participate in the interview process; maintain and submit a typed summary of a daily log of activities; prepare a final report to the instructors (copy sent to the agribusiness sponsor); present an oral presentation of the externship experience to their peers and a group of faculty; and complete a self evaluation of ANSC 291. Limited to Animal Sciences majors.
/Maximum of 18 Creative projects, including research and design, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.
Nutrients and their metabolism; the nutritional requirements of livestock; the nutritional value of various feeds; principles of ration formulation. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: ANSC 201
Students enrolled in ANSC 306 Swine Production and Management will study business and production-related concepts associated with modern swine production. The course will combine biology, nutrition, reproduction, health and welfare of pigs with business management, operations management, quality assurance, and marketing. Field Trips and hands-on labs at Penn State Swine Center expose students to hands- on application of classroom concepts. Enforced Concurrent at Enrollment: ANSC 201
encompasses the requisite information for students to manage any of the small ruminant livestock species including meat and wool sheep, hair sheep, and meat goats. Students will critically evaluate genetic, reproductive, nutritional, economic, and management criteria that influence profitability and sustainability of small ruminants as viable agricultural animal enterprises in Pennsylvania, the United States and the world. Hands-on learning to develop practical management skills will be provided via the laboratories held at the Penn State Sheep Barns. Enforced Concurrent at Enrollment: ANSC 201
Old Listing Effective Through Spring 2026: Beef Production and Management will provide a comprehensive review of the business-related and production oriented concepts associated with modern beef production. This course will combine traditional disciplines of beef management with business management, operations management, quality control and marketing. Additional topics will include economics and factors affecting cost of production. As the course progresses, and following the exposure of students to the fundamentals of beef production, they will be given the opportunity to evaluate real production scenarios for development of business and management recommendations. In addition to the classroom, the Penn State Beef Center, College computer labs, and selected field trips will comprise the facilities used to teach the course. In addition, students will conduct problem solving exercises on beef enterprises throughout the state. Beef Production and Management will be included in the series of other production courses offered in this department. Having completed the course, students will be able to: 1. Describe the necessary management procedures in a beef enterprise that are vital for efficient and profitable production. 2. Describe and understand the fundamentals of the various segments of the cattle industry. 3. List the important components of a business management plan for a beef operation, including short and long- term capital requirements, and a projected budget. 4. Discuss the trends and important issues facing the beef industry in Pennsylvania, the nation and world. 5. Critically evaluate business and production scenarios to provide an in depth analysis and a recommended course of action for improving a beef enterprise. Enforced Concurrent at Enrollment: ANSC 201 Changes Effective Summer 2026:
Principles of dairy management including the dairy industry and control points associated with nutrition, genetics, lactation, reproduction, and housing. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: ANSC 201
Introduction to the principles of small animal health, including the recogniti recognition, prevention and control of common small animal diseases. ANSC 315 Small Animal Health and Disease (3) Small animals play increasingly important roles in human lives. In addition to their function as pets, they serve the disabled; protect human well-being through the police, military and border inspection services; and act as Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 3561 research subjects for the development of medical and technological advances. Control of disease and promotion of animal health is important in all small animal industries and uses.This course is designed to provide a basic background in the principles of health in small animal species (primarily dogs and cats). Emphasis will be on the maintenance of a healthy animal system, including the recognition, prevention and control of the most common small animal diseases.Because of the increasing among of information available to all people through the internet and media, students will be given tools to understand basic medical terminology and will practice reading and interpreting scientific research. In addition, the importance of animal disease on public health will be addressed.Diagnosis and treatment of disease will only be covered in a general, illustrative fashion. This course is not intended to train students in the diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases, but rather to recognize the conditions and factors which encourage disease, but rather to recognize the conditions and factors which encourage disease spread and to understand how to control and rectify those situations.Because of the varied situations in which small animals function, a primary objective will be to be able to apply the principles of animal health and disease prevention to varied facets of the small animal industry (e.g. private ownership, veterinary medicine, shelter work and management, service animal breeding/training, biomedical and nutritional research).This course is designed for students planning to work in or having a special interest in the small animal industry, including veterinary medicine, the pet food and pet products industry, the working dog industry, live animal sales, pharmaceutical sales, and research. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: MICRB 106 or MICRB 201 or permission of program
Responses of horses to various stimuli during the training period. Laboratory exercises involve extensive practice with young horses. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: ANSC 327 and approved level of horsemanship
Supporting Courses and Related Areas Select 36 credits (at least 6 credits of Animal Science and 6 credits of "Other Courses") from department lists. 12 credits must be at the 400-level, and a minimum of 3 of these 12 400-level credits must be in ANSC. (Students may apply 6 credits of ROTC.) Certain courses from the department lists may double count as General Education courses; consult with your adviser.
ANSC 331 is a study of reproductive anatomy, endocrinology, physiology, behaviors, and management in animals. Students will gain an understanding of the development, organization, and functions of the reproductive system with a focus on domestic animals. This will include understanding endocrine regulation of reproductive processes and how hormones affect cellular function. Comparisons to primates, rodents, wild species, and non-mammalian species will also be made. Students will develop an understanding of factors that affect reproductive success and how this knowledge can be used to regulate/manage reproductive processes of domestic animals, wildlife, and humans. Enforced Concurrent at Enrollment: ANSC 201
ANSC 332NScience and policy of global greenhouse gas emissions and3
management This interdomain course introduces students to the science and policy of greenhouse gas emissions. The course focuses on emissions from natural sources, energy production and food production. Policy components will introduce students to the fundamentals of environmental policy and examine key policy options for mitigating and managing emissions. Global in scope, the course will also address how emissions and policy options differ in developed and developing countries. Topics will include overviews of the global carbon cycle, agriculture and land use change emissions, history of global energy use and production, overview of global climate change policy, frontiers in climate, energy and agriculture policy, amongst others. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: ENGL 15 Cross-listed with: GEOG 332N, METEO 332N General Education: Natural Sciences (GN) General Education: Social and Behavioral Scien (GS) General Education - Integrative: Interdomain GenEd Learning Objective: Global Learning GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Soc Resp and Ethic Reason
Evaluating livestock operations within and across enterprises has become a vital skill to being profitable today. The nexus of financial performance and production management is the catalyst to profitable and sustainable operations. This requires the skillset and digital
Students will use dairy records to analyze herd performance in order to identify bottlenecks for higher productivity. ANSC 350 Dairy Problem Solving (2)This course will develop case based approaches to problem solving using dairy records. Students will learn to read and interpret dairy herd improvement herd summaries. Herd performance will be benchmarked against parameters from similar herds across the Northeast in order to identify production bottlenecks. Popular dairy herd management software will be used to analyze bottlenecks more completely. Additionally, the use of herd management software to record cow health events and set up management routines will be demonstrated. Classes will include in depth analysis of nutritional, reproductive, culling, genetic and milking management parameters as they relate to the dairy enterprise. In addition, economic and fiscal management will be presented as it relates to various aspects of the dairy industry. Enforced Concurrent at Enrollment: ANSC 310
ANSC 357Equine Broodmare and Foal Care, is a course for3
students pursuing careers that are directly or indirectly associated with the horse industry. This course is an in depth study of late gestation broodmares, fetal development, pre-foaling indicators of readiness for birth, and post-partum care and management of the mare and foal. Students completing this course should be well prepared to be employed on breeding farms as broodmare or foaling managers. Additionally, students completing this course should be able to: 1) Describe the basic endocrinology of gestation in the mare. 2) Summarize the development of the fetus during gestation. 3) Compare and contrast normal and the abnormal foaling process. 4) Recognize and understand the meaning of pre-foaling predictors. 5) Assist with the foaling process as needed. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: ANSC 327
ANSC 389Supervised Experience in College Teaching1-3
/Maximum of 4 The Supervised College Teaching course provides selected undergraduates with formal, supervised teaching experience in an Animal Science course. Faculty recruit students who excel in a particular course to serve as undergraduate teaching assistants for subsequent offerings of that course. Duties may include peer tutoring, teaching, or laboratory assistance, and developing and/or evaluating course activities and Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 3563 materials. Students participating in this course will develop a deeper understanding of the course material by actively teaching the material. The course is only available to students who are invited to serve as teaching assistants for an Animal Science course and enrollment is by permission of the instructor. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: Permission of program
/Maximum of 12 Supervised field experience and study related to the student's major professional interest. Written and oral critique of activity required. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: Animal Sciences majors; 6 credits in major plus approval of proposed assignment by instructor prior to advance registration deadline in semester preceding the semester in which the assignment is to be completed
The fundamental concepts, relevant technologies, and applications of genetically engineered animals, with an emphasis on livestock and poultry species, are discussed in the class. Topics will include the history and progression of the animal genetic engineering field, the development and applications of genome editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas), and discussions about the regulations and ethics of genetically engineered animals. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: (1) Provide an overview of how the developments in the basic sciences such as Molecular biology, Cell biology, Developmental biology, and Genomics are being applied to generate Transgenic animals; (2) Discuss the history and current state of animal genetic engineering; (3) Design a transgenic animal using gene-editing technologies; (4) Skillfully elaborate on ethical and regulatory considerations regarding genetically engineered animals. Assessments include in-class quizzes, take-home exams, group presentations, and class participation. There is a greater emphasis on finding and interpreting information from available resources than on memorization of materials.
Detailed study of companion animal behavior; including individual, developmental, and environmental bases of behavior with applied demonstration and discussion. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: BIOL 110
ANSC 418Nutrient Management in Agricultural Systems3
AGECO 418 / ANSC 418 / SOILS 418 Nutrient Management in Agricultural Systems is a senior-level course that applies the fundamentals of animal, plant and soil sciences to the issues and solutions in the area where livestock production intersects with water and air quality. Modern regionalization and concentration of animal production systems comes with environmental implications due to a net influx of nutrients to livestock farms. While some nutrients leave the farm in the form of animal products, 60 to 70% of the nutrients are excreted and applied to nearby crop land. If not properly managed these nutrients represent a risk to environmental quality. Students in this cross-listed course gain both scientific and practical understanding of sound nutrient management principals and strategies. The course considers big picture concepts such as nutrient cycling as well as farm-level implementations such as Nutrient Management Planning. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: (BIOL 11 and BIOL 12) or BIOL 110 or BIOL 127 or BISC 3 Cross-listed with: AGECO 418, SOILS 418
Assessment of management practices impacting animal welfare; devoted to livestock species, companion animals, captive exotic species, and animals in research. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: ANSC 201 or 6 credits of biology Writing Across the Curriculum
Poultry Evaluation and Selection is a hands-on course that will provide the opportunity for students to apply the principles used and standards that directly relate to evaluate the evaluation and selection of Purebred and meat breeding birds, egg production traits, as well as the processing aspects of the poultry industry. In addition, the course will cover practica and safe handling techniques of live poultry and poultry products. This course is taught every spring semester. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: ANSC 100
The course will focus on understanding the role of records and available information in designing breeding programs. Students will gain an understanding of breeds, conformation and genetic evaluation methods throughout the world. Topics will include type appraisal and linear classification, reading information sources such as sire summaries and pedigrees, and evaluating and integrating data to make herd breeding program decisions and merchandising selections. Industry breeding programs and current issues will be emphasized. A major focus throughout the course will be information management to make informed breeding decisions to maximize genetic progress and herd improvement. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: ANSC 322 or BIOL 222 Writing Across the Curriculum
ANSC 424Livestock Breeding Evaluation and Selection3
Evaluation and selection of beef cattle, sheep, swine, and horses; critical analysis of performance records and genetic evaluations. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: ANSC 324
/Maximum of 4 ANSC 426 provides students with critical thinking and communication l skills through evaluation and selection of animals. This course provides intensive training in evaluation and selection of dairy, poultry, horses or meat animal livestock using subjective and objective measurements as well as the use of oral reasons to explain and defend decisions.
Development and physiology of the mammary gland and factors which affect the amount and composition of milk produced. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: ANSC 201
This course is a detailed study of reproductive processes in animals. Students will gain a fundamental understanding of the development, organization and functions of the reproductive system with a focus on domestic animals. This will include understanding endocrine regulation of reproductive processes and how hormones affect cellular function. Comparisons to primates, rodents, wild species and non-mammalian species will also be made. Students will develop an understanding of factors that affect reproductive success and how this knowledge can be used to regulate/manage reproductive processes of domestic animals, wildlife and humans. Recommended Preparations: ANSC 300 Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: ANSC 201 and BIOL 110
Demonstration and practice in cattle artifical insemination technique and semen handling. Instruction in reproductive systems anatomy, estrous cycle and estrus synchronization programs. ANSC 432 Techniques in Cattle Reproduction (1) This course provides instruction in the technique of artificial insemination and the associated applications of this technology. A minimum level of expertise in this technique will Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 3565 be achieved through an understanding of cattle reproductive system anatomy, the estrus cycle and estrus synchronization programs. There will be a significant amount of time spent practicing artificial insemination technique in cows. This will be accompanied by instruction in semen handling and the proper use of the equipment used to store semen and to inseminate a cow. Evaluation will be based on proficiency in artificial insemination technique and semen handling in addition to a written exam. This course is offered during the fall semester by appointment. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: ANSC 309 or ANSC 310
Capstone course emphasizing integration of dairy farm management principles into whole farm systems. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: ANSC 310 and ANSC 350 and ANSC 410 or permission of program
This course will be focused on three main aspects of the application of 'Omics' techniques in research to answer real-world problems. Students will be introduced to the concepts of multiple 'Omics' techniques, study designs, and data analysis methods. The roles played by the microbiome in different species will be discussed. Those concepts will then be put into practice through appraisal of primary literature. By the end of the semester, students will be able to apply the concepts learned to discuss scientific literature and be familiar with data analysis techniques. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: (MICRB 106 or MICRB 201) Recommended Preparation: (STAT 200 or STAT 240 or STAT 250)
ANSC 457Equine Reproduction and Breeding Farm Management3
Equine Reproduction and Breeding Farm Management is intended to expand on the knowledge of equine reproduction and breeding farm management acquired in other classes. The students will get hands on experience in artificial insemination of mares and semen collection of stallions. Having completed the course, students will be able to: A. Collec semen from a stallion. B. Assess seminal characteristics and process the chilled semen to be sent to another farm. C. Artificially inseminate a mare. D. Apply scientific principles to make the decisions necessary to manage an equine breeding facility. The information covered will include but not be limited to reproductive management of the mare and stallion, foaling, and neonatology. Evaluation will typically be based on written tests, research and presentation of a selected topic, and laboratory attendance and participation. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: ANSC 327 and permission of program
Equine gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology; energy and nutrient requirements for body functions; applied interrelationships between nutrition, health, and performance. ANSC 467 Equine Nutrition and Feeding (3) is a 3 credit junior or senior-level course emphasizing the application of biological principles to the proper nutrition of horses. Students scheduling this course must first complete ANSC 301. Course objectives are that upon completion of the course, students should be able to a) Apply an understanding of form and function of the equine gastrointestinal tract to actual feeding management problems associated with athletic performance or health concerns; b) Describe the nutrient and energy requirements of horses in different physiologic states and apply these in diet evaluation and formulation; c) Communicate to clients, customers and peers important information about equine nutrition, enabling them to improve the health and performance of their horse without having to take a course on equine nutrition. Each student will complete a 3000 to 3500 word paper on how some aspect of nutrition might be applied to improve equine health or performance. The writing project will involve an oral presentation, multiple drafts and require students to review and provide feedback on each others' work. Students will be evaluated via a series of assigned homework, exams, class participation, and the overall writing project. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: ANSC 301 Writing Across the Curriculum
Animal growth and development is the understanding of tissue interactions as they influence each other and whole animal complexity from conception to maturity. An understanding of growth and development in livestock species improves scientific advancements and improves efficiency in which animals reach growth or activity goals placed on them by producers, trainers, and caretakers. This course focuses on growth and development of meat animal species and its influence on economically important tissues and final meat quality, however concepts are applicable across mammalian species.
ANSC 488Biology of germ cells and assisted reproductive technologies3
Germ cells are highly specialized cells that give rise to the next generation. The life history of germ cells from formation of primordial germ cells in the early embryo to formation of mature gametes will be t traced in several mammalian species. Gamete maturation, fertilization and early embryo development will be covered in detail to highlight the unique features of these processes and the close relationship between germ cells, early embryonic cells and pluripotent stem cells. Special emphasis will be placed on the processes of meiosis and epigenetic reprogramming that occurs in both germ cells and early embryos. The effect of environmental factors such as diet, stress, endocrine disruptors on germ cell and early embryo reprogramming will be discussed. In the second half of the course, we will discuss how knowledge of germ cell physiology has led to the widespread use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) which have fundamentally changed the way fertility is managed in animals and humans. ART topics covered include
/Maximum of 6 Independent undergraduate research directed by an Animal Science faculty supervisor. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: Junior or senior status, approval of an Animal Science faculty supervisor, and approval of the Undergraduate
/Maximum of 6 Independent study directed by faculty supervisor culminating in an Animal Science honors thesis. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: Junior or senior status in the Schreyers Honors College and permission of an Animal Science honors advisor
/Maximum of 18 Creative projects, including research and design, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.
/Maximum of 2 Exploration of current controversial issues and impactful innovations in animal agriculture with a focus on their discovery and future applications. Students will develop an understanding of the contribution of seminal research papers that changed paradigms in the Animal Sciences and Graduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 909 develop a deeper understanding of the scientific method and its potential impact on the world.
Consideration of the scientific method relative to scholarship and the ethical issues faced by scientists. Fulfills the students' Discussion-based Education SARI requirement.
ANSC 503Professional Skills for Graduate Students2
This course will be focused on four main areas: project management, reproducible science, soft skills, and preparation for the job market. Students will be given an overview of strategies and tools that can be used to improve the execution of their scientific projects. Those concepts will then be put into practice through the development of management, data analysis, and publication materials using students' current or proposed projects. Hands-on sessions will include the financial reality of carrying out a scientific project, and the application of tools designed to improve science reproducibility, transparency, and data sharing. Finally, students will prepare materials that will be useful for future job applications. The course will provide students with important skills needed for a successful graduate school experience that are fundamental, but often not formally taught. Students will receive training in aspects of project management, reproducible science, communication, networking, and career preparation.
Development of skills in scientific writing and speaking, including preparation of manuscripts, scientific posters and technical documents, and design and delivery of oral presentations (e.g., platform talks, webinars, seminars).
Physiological, biochemical, and microbiological activities occurring within the rumen and the relation of rumen function to animal response. nutrition, physiology, microbiology, and biochemistry Cross-listed with: NUTR 506
Foundations in genomics, proteomics, epigenomics, and basic bioinformatics, and their applications in animal breeding, health, production, reproduction, nutrition, and medicine. AN SC 543 Animal Genomics (3) Genomics is a branch of genetics concerned with the study of genome sequence, assembly, and analysis of the structure and function of genomes. It is an interdisciplinary field involving the marriage of molecular biology, robotics, and computing. The course is designed to foster an appreciation for the importance of genomics as applied to animal agriculture and medicine and to provide a knowledge base that enables students to successfully move on and master advanced topics in genomics. Additionally, the course will introduce students to approaches and techniques used to sequence and analyze animal genomes and provide a hands-on learning environment to familiarize students with genome databases and basic bioinformatics tools. The course will combine lecture discussion of current literature with hands- on genomic analysis with focus on genome structure & organization, genome sequencing & annotation, animal genome projects & comparative mapping, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discovery & genome- wide association study (GWAS), genomic selection, non-coding RNA, microarray analysis, proteomics, epigenomics, phylogenomics, and systems biology. Each topic will have one or more computer-based lab sections that are designed to provide students with further information related to the topic, with a particular focus on how to navigate genome databases and how to carry out basic bioinformatics analysis for their research projects. This course is suitable for graduate students, professional research scientists, and any student who has a BS in life science and wants to learn more about animal genomics and its sub- disciplines.
RNAseq is one of the most widely used technologies for understanding biology. However, due to a lack of bioinformatic skillset, students are still limited in applying this technology to their research. This course offers an end-to-end understanding of RNAseq analysis for biologists. The target audience is experimental biologists with little experience in bioinformatics. Hence, no prior experience in data analysis is required. The course consists of lectures/discussions and significant hands-on elements with individualized instructor support, covering both theory and tools associated with RNA-seq data analysis. Students will explore experimental design, technology usage, cost estimation, data generation, and data analysis (using command-line and R) of RNAseq data generated from the Illumina sequencing platform. The course is in a 2-week hands- on workshop format with line-by-line code provided, giving students the tools to plan and execute successful RNAseq experiments in their research. Cross-listed with: MCIBS 567
/Maximum of 9 Creative projects, including nonthesis research, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.
/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently; several different topics may be taught in one year or term.
/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently; several different topics may be taught in one year or semester.
or ANSC 610 Thesis Research Off Campus The thesis must be accepted by the advisers and/or committee members, the head of the graduate program, and the Graduate School, and the student must pass a thesis defense. Graduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 91 Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-600 Research Degree Policies. (https:// gradschool.psu.edu/graduate-education-policies/) The academic Ph.D. program requires a dissertation and is designed for those primarily interested in teaching and research. Official entrance into the Ph.D. program occurs upon successful completion of the qualifying examination. Ph.D. degree requirements include successful completion of the following: approved graduate course work, English Competence requirements, a comprehensive examination, and a final oral examination (the dissertation defense). To earn the Ph.D. degree, doctoral candidates must write a dissertation that is accepted by the Ph.D. committee, the s head of the graduate program, and the Graduate School. In addition, the following Program core courses (credits) are required: 2 Code Title Credits 2 Required Courses 1 ANSC 500 Foundation Readings in Animal Science 2
ANSC 602Supervised Experience in College Teaching1
Students who completed 2 credits of ANSC 590 as part of an M.S. degree program in Animal Science must take 1 additional credit of ANSC 590 during their Ph.D. program. For students entering the Ph.D. program with an M.S. degree from another institution, one credit of ANSC 590 will be waived; therefore, they will be required to complete 2 credits of ANSC 590 during their Ph.D. program.
