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UMA Undergraduate Guide 2015-2016
 Academic Departments and Programs Veterinary and Animal Sciences The Majors
The Majors
Two majors are available within the department. The B.S. in Animal Science major is split into Animal Management and Biotechnology concentrations so that it provides a more comprehensive background for careers in these fields. The B.S. in Pre-Veterinary major is designed specifically for students interested in postgraduate studies in the sciences including entrance into veterinary, medical, master's and doctoral research programs. Admission to majors The B.S.-Animal Science major is an open major. Students can choose the Animal Management or Biotechnology Concentration at any time, but are recommended to do as early as possible to make sure that they are on track to complete graduation requirements. Students completing predictor courses (indicated immediately below with an asterisk) with a weighted average of B- or better are eligible to enter the Pre-Veterinary major. Students interested in transferring to the program or obtaining a second bachelor’s degree in Animal Science should contact the department’s Undergraduate Program Director. Requirements for all majors include the following ANIMLSCI and extra-departmental courses: 101 Introductory Animal Science *BIOLOGY 151/152/153 Introductory Biology Additional Animal Science Major - Animal Management Concentration requirements: Additional Animal Science Major - Animal Biotechnology and Research Concentration requirements Animal Managment Concentration Students who choose to follow a career in Management will have a well-structured and strong curriculum that can make them highly competitive in the market place, preparing them for both large-scale and small-scale farming of domestic animals, that is, “backyard to industrial”. The ‘buy local’ movement is expected to increase available jobs in New England for those schooled in this field. The Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences offers a series of courses that formalize the curriculum and accessory courses are taken in ancillary departments to provide expertise in non-domesticated animal management (wildlife, zoo, exotics) or for a career in teaching agriculture. Students have access to a number of animal species at our associated farms on which to learn management skills, including: Belted Galloway cattle, Boer meat goats, Dorset sheep, poultry and horses. We also partner with a local dairy farm where students care for the dairy calves and learn management skills. The Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences emphasizes animal ethics of food animal production as well as the impact of farming techniques on the environment. See page 13 for the suggested sequence of courses. Animal Biotechnology and Research Concentration The Biotechnology concentration is for those students interested in laboratory or research careers in the fields of veterinary and human health or biotechnology. Biotechnologists explore and develop new technologies in molecular biology, molecular genetics, embryo manipulation and cell and tissue culture. We encourage students to pursue their research interests and develop deductive reasoning skills in our laboratories, working with diverse animal species. Off campus, the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Internship Challenge offers paid internships that have allowed our students to gain invaluable experience in biotechnology companies. (http://www.masslifesciences.com/programs/internship/ ) Animals contribute to human health through companionship, as models for human and animal diseases, as well as a source of food and fiber. There is a need for graduates who are familiar with animals to serve as lab technicians in the laboratories of both public and private research institutions. |
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