Undergraduate

Animal Science

Combine hands-on experience with scientific theory, working directly with animals in our research facilities and veterinary settings.

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Location

Durham, NH

Courses

24*

Credit

128 hrs.*

Full-time

4 yrs.

Part-time

Varies

View course catalog

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Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems

The Animal Science major at UNH prepares you for careers in veterinary medicine and agricultural management. You’ll gain hands-on experience in research facilities and veterinary settings while building a strong foundation in animal biology and health.

The curriculum balances practical skills with scientific theory, supporting career paths in animal health, breeding, nutrition and farm management. Coursework emphasizes real-world applications, helping you develop the expertise to lead in veterinary sciences and animal agriculture.

*Number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements.

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems Department

Key Links

Tuition Costs

Contact Cards

Liz Brock

Program Coordinator

Clinical Assistant Professor

Elizabeth.Brock@unh.edu

Kendall Hall, Room 427, Durham, NH 03824

(603) 862-1097

What is Animal Science?

Animal science is the study of the biology and management of animals and their interaction with the human world. Core courses in this degree include a strong foundation in animal nutrition, reproduction, genetics and physiology, preparing students for a variety of animal-centered careers or further studies in veterinary medicine or graduate school. Further, students can choose from a wide array of electives, delving into topics ranging from individual animal health and management practices to business development.

Why Study Animal Science at UNH?

At UNH, you won’t just learn in the classroom about animal science, you’ll have regular opportunities to gain hands-on experience at our many on-campus animal facilities and through our well-established network of local and regional collaborators. This interactive approach to learning is built into our core and elective curriculum and is augmented by the activities of the student clubs associated with the animal science program. Examples of engaged learning include participating in the Poultry Experiential Education Program (PEEP) or the Cooperative Real Education in Agricultural Management (CREAM) classes and assisting with research projects lead by our faculty and graduate students.

Potential careers

Animal care and production
Animal business management
Biotechnology/Pharmaceutical
Animal feed industry
Animal reproduction
Advocacy and policy consulting
Government agencies (e.g. USDA)
Education and Outreach Extension
Food inspection and safety
Public health
Veterinary medicine

Curriculum & Requirements

Program Description

Animal Science is the study of the biology and management of animals that enhance human life and well-being. Completion of the Animal Science B.S. is designed to prepare students for a variety of animal-focused careers. Students in our major can work with a wide variety of animal species as part of the curriculum, from dairy cattle to chickens to small animals. Our program allows students to gain a scientific understanding of animals while exploring the many career options in animal management.

The Animal Science B.S. is one of many pathways for admission to veterinary school. Because admission to veterinary school is highly competitive due to the limited number of available spaces and the high standards for admission, students are advised to choose an academic program that deeply interests them. Simply taking the prerequisite courses required by veterinary schools without considering alternate career goals is not advisable.

Degree Plan

Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
ANSC 421	Introduction to Animal Science	4
BIOL 411	Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular	4
CHEM 403	General Chemistry I	4
ENGL 401	First-Year Writing (WI) or Discovery course (Not SS, FPA, or WC)	4
	Credits	16
Spring
ANSC 406	Careers in Animal Science	1
BIOL 412	Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology	4
CHEM 404	General Chemistry II	4
ENGL 401	First-Year Writing (or Discovery course)	4
Elective		4
	Credits	17
Second Year
Fall
ANSC 511	Animal Anatomy and Physiology I	4
ANSC 612	Genetics of Animals	4
Discovery course		4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Spring
ANSC 512	Animal Anatomy and Physiology II	4
ANSC 543	Technical Writing in Animal Sciences (WI)	2
BIOL 528	Applied Biostatistics I	4
Discovery Course		4
Elective		2
	Credits	16
Third Year
Fall
ANSC 625	Animal Diseases	4
BMS 503 & BMS 504	General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory	5
Discovery course		4
Elective		4
	Credits	17
Spring
ANSC 609	Principles of Animal Nutrition	4
BMCB 501	Biological Chemistry	4
Discovery course		4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Fourth Year
Fall
ANSC Reproduction course or Discovery course		4
Elective		4
Elective		4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Spring
ANSC 602	Animal Rights and Societal Issues (WI)	4
ANSC Reproduction course or Discovery course		4
Capstone course		4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
	Total Credits	130

ANSC Sample Student Schedule by Semester - Pre-Veterinary/Graduate School Intent

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
ANSC 421	Introduction to Animal Science	4
BIOL 411	Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular	4
CHEM 403	General Chemistry I	4
ENGL 401	First-Year Writing (WI) or Discovery course (Not SS, FPA, or WC)	4
	Credits	16
Spring
ANSC 406	Careers in Animal Science	1
BIOL 412	Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology	4
CHEM 404	General Chemistry II	4
MATH 424B	Calculus for Life Sciences	4
ENGL 401	First-Year Writing (or Discovery course)	4
	Credits	17
Second Year
Fall
ANSC 511	Animal Anatomy and Physiology I	4
BIOL 528	Applied Biostatistics I	4
CHEM 651 & CHEM 653	Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory	5
Discovery course		4
	Credits	17
Spring
ANSC 512	Animal Anatomy and Physiology II	4
CHEM 652 & CHEM 654	Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Laboratory	5
ENGL 501	Introduction to Creative Nonfiction (WI and FPA DISC)	4
Elective		4
	Credits	17
Third Year
Fall
ANSC 612	Genetics of Animals	4
ANSC 625	Animal Diseases	4
BMS 503 & BMS 504	General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory	5
Discovery course or Elective		4
	Credits	17
Spring
ANSC 609	Principles of Animal Nutrition	4
BMCB 658 & BMCB 659	General Biochemistry and General Biochemistry Lab	5
Discovery course		4
Elective		4
	Credits	17
Fourth Year
Fall
PHYS 401	Introduction to Physics I	4
ANSC Repro Course or Discovery course		4
Discovery course or Elective		4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Spring
ANSC 602	Animal Rights and Societal Issues (WI)	4
PHYS 402	Introduction to Physics II	4
ANSC Repro Course or Discovery course		4
Capstone		4
	Credits	16
	Total Credits	133

Requirements for the Program

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 128 credits

Minimum Residency Requirement: 32 credits must be taken at UNH

Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*

Core Curriculum Required: Discovery & Writing Program Requirements

Foreign Language Requirement: No

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

Students will be required to earn a C- or better in all required courses for the animal science major to receive credit toward graduation. Students failing to do this will need to retake the course in order to receive credit.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Foundation Courses
BIOL 411	Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular	4
BIOL 412	Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology	4
CHEM 403	General Chemistry I	4
CHEM 404	General Chemistry II	4
BIOL 528	Applied Biostatistics I	4
BMS 503 & BMS 504	General Microbiology and General Microbiology Laboratory	5
BMCB 501	Biological Chemistry ¹	4
Requirements for All Animal Science Majors
ANSC 406	Careers in Animal Science	1
ANSC 421	Introduction to Animal Science	4
ANSC 511	Animal Anatomy and Physiology I	4
ANSC 512	Animal Anatomy and Physiology II	4
ANSC 543	Technical Writing in Animal Sciences (or equivalent) ²	2
ANSC 602	Animal Rights and Societal Issues	4
ANSC 609	Principles of Animal Nutrition	4
ANSC 612	Genetics of Animals	4
ANSC 625	Animal Diseases	4
Reproduction Course
Select one of the following:		4
ANSC 701	Physiology of Reproduction
ANSC 715	Physiology of Lactation
ANSC 724	Reproductive Management and Artificial Insemination
BMS 702	Endocrinology
Major Electives
Select 3 electives from the following list. Electives less than 3 credits must be combined to equal 3 credits or more to count as 1 elective. At least 2 electives must be at the 500 level or above. At least 3 elective credits must be fulfilled with courses from the Experiential category.		12
AAS 421	Large Animal Behavior and Handling Techniques
AAS 423	Dairy Selection
AAS 425	Introduction to Dairy Herd Management
AAS 432	Introduction to Forage and Grassland Management
AAS 434	Equipment and Facilities Management
ADMN 502	Financial Accounting
ANSC 427	Introduction to Equine Science
ANSC 515	Explorations in Veterinary Medicine
ANSC 526	Equine Conformation, Movement, and Performance
ANSC 536	Preparation and Competition Techniques for the Modern Sport Horse
ANSC 548	Agricultural Business Management
ANSC 600	Field Experience
ANSC 603	Introduction to Livestock Management
ANSC 605	Poultry Production and Health Management
ANSC 627	Animal Health Applications
ANSC 647	Equine Stable Management
ANSC 650	Dairy Industry Travel Course
ANSC 665	Agricultural & Equine Event Design, Planning and Management
ANSC 670	Exotic Companion Species Health and Management
ANSC 690	Livestock and Wildlife in Namibia: Challenges, Opportunities and Geography
ANSC 695	Supervised Teaching Experience (Course can only be used once for elective credit)
ANSC 698	Cooperative for Real Education in Agricultural Management (CREAM) (Each semester counts as 1 elective. However, if taken in the senior year >90 credits, 1 semester can count as the capstone and 1 as an elective.)
ANSC 701	Physiology of Reproduction
ANSC 708
ANSC 710	Dairy Nutrition
ANSC 715	Physiology of Lactation
ANSC 724	Reproductive Management and Artificial Insemination
ANSC 727	Advanced Dairy Management I
ANSC 728	Advanced Dairy Management II
ANSC 750	Collaborative Farm Design and Development
ANSC 795	Investigations
ANSC 799	Honors Senior Thesis
BMCB 753	Cell Culture
BMS 602	Pathogenic Microbiology
BMS 623	Histology: Microscopic Cellular Structure and Function
BMS 655	Human and Animal Parasites
BMS 702	Endocrinology
BMS 703	Infectious Disease and Health
BMS 704	Pathologic Basis of Disease
BMS 705	Immunology
BMS 706	Virology
BMS 711
BMS 712	Experiences in Applied Veterinary Diagnostics
BMS 718	Mammalian Physiology
CMN 500	Public Speaking
EREC 411
EREC 680
MEFB 773	Physiology of Fishes
MGT 535	Organizational Behavior
SAFS 632
ZOOL 610	Principles of Aquaculture
ZOOL 613W	Animal Behavior
ZOOL 777W	Neuroethology
Experiential Electives
A total of at least 3 elective credits must be fulfilled with courses in this category. ANSC 795 and 799 projects approved to meet this requirement should include a significant component of hands-on live animal experience
AAS 421	Large Animal Behavior and Handling Techniques
AAS 423	Dairy Selection
ANSC 515	Explorations in Veterinary Medicine
ANSC 526	Equine Conformation, Movement, and Performance
ANSC 603	Introduction to Livestock Management
ANSC 605	Poultry Production and Health Management
ANSC 647	Equine Stable Management
ANSC 698	Cooperative for Real Education in Agricultural Management (CREAM)
ANSC 728	Advanced Dairy Management II
ANSC 795	Investigations
ANSC 799	Honors Senior Thesis
Total Credits		76

¹: Students interested in graduate school should take 2 semesters of Organic Chemistry (CHEM 651/CHEM 653 and CHEM 652/CHEM 654) and one semester of General Biochemistry (BMCB 658/BMCB 659) in place of BMCB 501.
²: ENGL 501 Introduction to Creative Nonfiction, ENGL 502 Professional and Technical Writing, ENGL 503 Persuasive Writing or ENGL 419 How to Read Anything

Capstone Experience

The capstone requirement must be completed during the senior year, and may be satisfied through completion of ANSC 698 Cooperative for Real Education in Agricultural Management (CREAM), ANSC 728 Advanced Dairy Management II, ANSC 750 Collaborative Farm Design and Development, or the ANSC 797 Equine Capstone Experience. An ANSC 799 Honors Senior Thesis, which typically includes mentored research and some form of experiential learning, can also fulfill the capstone requirement.

Requirements for Students Interested in Graduate/Veterinary School

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
BMCB 658 & BMCB 659	General Biochemistry and General Biochemistry Lab	5
CHEM 651 & CHEM 653	Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry Laboratory	5
CHEM 652 & CHEM 654	Organic Chemistry II and Organic Chemistry Laboratory	5
MATH 424B	Calculus for Life Sciences	4
PHYS 401	Introduction to Physics I	4
PHYS 402	Introduction to Physics II	4

Students interested in veterinary medicine should consult the pre-veterinary medicine program website.

Student Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will gain a fundamental knowledge of the animal science related disciplines of:

Anatomy & Physiology

Students will be able to recognize the complimentary relationship of anatomic structure and function and accurately describe the basic physiologic processes of mammalian organ systems.

Nutrition

Students will be able to identify, compare, contrast, and link different concepts regarding animal feeding and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and protein in major livestock species and equine.

Genetics

Students will understand basic principles and applications of inheritance, the difference between qualitative and quantitative genetics, and be able to discuss the various disciplines within genetics.

Disease

Students will understand the modes of transmission of infectious diseases, recognize signs of illness associated with notable diseases in livestock species, and be able to appropriately apply general concepts of disease prevention and biosecurity to a variety of management situations.

Reproduction

Students will comprehend the mechanisms and endocrine control of gametogenesis, fertilization, pregnancy, and lactation and understand the variety of factors that can influence reproductive success.

Animal Ethics

Students will recognize the numerous ways that humans use, benefit from, and conflict with non-human animals and have an awareness of the variety of motivations and influences that drive these relationships.

Critical Analysis & Communication

Students will be able to develop critical questions that facilitate their independent investigation of topics related to animal science and demonstrate an integration of discipline specific knowledge through engaging in experiential education opportunities.
Students will be able to conduct literature searches using relevant databases to critically evaluate both academic and popular press resources pertinent to the animal sciences.
Students will be able to construct well-supported, effectively organized written arguments to express informed perspectives on animal science related topics. These writings will demonstrate professional style, appropriate mechanics (grammar, punctuation, and spelling), and the correct use of citations.

Explore Program Details

Cooperative Real Education in Agricultural Management (CREAM)

What is CREAM?

CREAM is a student-run cooperative in which 25 UNH students operate and manage a small business consisting of a registered Holstein dairy herd. CREAM is a yearlong course that gives students the opportunity to gain hands on experience in working with the dairy cows. Each Fall, the herd is passed on to a new group of students with the help of a transition team of student advisors, as well as dairy center personnel, and faculty advisors. CREAM has been operating at UNH since 1997 and has progressed as a program each year due to the dedication and commitment of the students, faculty, and dairy center staff.

CREAM

Poultry Experiential Education Program (PEEP)

UNH PEEP, the Poultry Experiential Education Program, provides students with real-world experience and knowledge in poultry production and management. Through classroom discussions and weekly laboratories, students learn about poultry anatomy and physiology, management practices, biosecurity, diseases, food safety, and much more. They are able to immediately apply this knowledge as they work together to raise a small broiler poultry flock over the course of a semester. PEEP was started in the Fall of 2018 and is currently associated with the ANSC 605 Poultry Production and Health Management course.

Pre-Veterinary Information Sessions and Tours

Take a deeper look at what it means to be a pre-veterinary student at UNH and discover why UNH students have an average 70% acceptance rate to veterinary schools — nearly double the national rate.

During our one-hour on-campus information sessions, faculty members will provide you with an overview of the pre-veterinary program from exceptional experiential learning to expert pre-veterinary advising, discuss majors and curriculum and answer any questions you might have. You will also have an opportunity to talk with current students about their experiences. Find out why UNH should be the top choice for all students considering a career in veterinary medicine — register to attend an on-campus info session today.

The sessions and tours are held throughout the year.

Learn More and Register