Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences

Interim Department Head: Abby Benninghoff
Location: Agricultural Science 427
Phone: (435) 797-8649
E-mail: abby.benninghoff@usu.edu
Website: caas.usu.edu/advs/

Associate Department Head of Academic Programs:

Lee Rickords, Agricultural Science 248B, (435) 797-2195, lee.rickords@usu.edu

Associate Department Head of Extension and Outreach:

Matthew Garcia, Agricultural Science 248C, (435) 797-2144, garcia@usu.edu

Undergraduate Advisor:

Tami Spackman, Agricultural Science 419, (435) 797-2150, tami.spackman@usu.edu

Caisa Shoop, Agricultural Science 420, (435) 797-4275, caisa.shoop@usu.edu

Degrees offered: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences; Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences; Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Toxicology; and Master of Public Health (MPH) Veterinary Master of Public Health.

Undergraduate Emphases: Animal and Dairy Science, Biotechnology, Bioveterinary Science, and Equine Science and Management

Graduate Specializations: Animal Health and Disease, Animal Management, Animal Molecular Genetics, Animal Nutrition and Reproduction and Development

Full details of the learning objectives, assessment plan, student outcomes, and evidence of continuous improvement for these programs of study can be found at cass.usu.edu/assessment.

Undergraduate Programs

Objectives

Bachelor’s degree students majoring in Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences may choose a program from four career emphasis areas: Animal and Dairy Science, Biotechnology, Bioveterinary Science, and Equine Science and Management.

The curricula in the Animal and Dairy Science Emphasis is designed to prepare students for a variety of rewarding careers in the dynamic disciplines of animal and dairy agriculture. Teaching and research facilities, as well as the USU livestock herds and flocks, are available for hands-on practical laboratory experiences, along with faculty-mentored research projects. Graduates from this emphasis may seek careers in animal or dairy production and management; in state or federal government agricultural agencies; and in fields that support or interact with animal agriculture, such as corporate agribusiness, wholesale and retail marketing and sales, commodity trading, animal product processing, agricultural cooperatives, and producer/commodity associations. This emphasis may also prepare students for advanced degrees in areas such as animal research in genetics, reproductive biology, nutrition, and management. An especially close student-advisor relationship is required to help students develop, schedule, and accelerate their personal undergraduate degree program and is essential for professional success in these areas.

The Biotechnology Emphasis is designed to prepare students who earn a bachelor’s degree for careers in the expanding biotechnology industry or for graduate study in related fields. Nationwide there are more than 1,200 biotechnology/biopharmaceutical companies with additional start-ups developing every year. Increases in federal funding for research in animal biotechnology, along with heightened private sector activity, have led to unprecedented career prospects in molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, developmental biology, and associated areas. USU has made a major commitment to biotechnology since 1986. The ADVS Department is heavily involved in biotechnology research and teaching, and the resources of the Center for Integrated BioSystems are also available to support this emphasis.

The ADVS Department offers a strong program in pre-veterinary study leading to the BS degree in the Bioveterinary Science Emphasis. This is not a college of veterinary medicine, but a pre-veterinary program. The degree is a nonterminal program designed primarily for those students who intend to apply to veterinary school. This program consists of three to four years of study, after which the student is eligible to apply to several veterinary schools. The pre-veterinary program can be individually tailored to maximize a student’s chances of gaining acceptance into a school of veterinary medicine. If a student is uncertain of his or her interests and aptitudes for veterinary medicine, the program is an excellent opportunity to gain experience and make career choices. The student who wants to test his or her potential in a veterinary career should first enroll in the pre-veterinary program and then later can simultaneously develop a major in another field. Students should consult with the ADVS academic advisor and the pre-veterinary program coordinator to develop a program of study which best meets their needs and requirements.

There are many exciting career paths in the equine industry, and the ADVS Department has the resources and courses to prepare students to determine their path. The Equine Science and Management Emphasis provides an education that will place students among the most sought-after graduates in the equine industry. The program offers courses, internships, volunteer activities, and clubs that prepare students specifically for careers in various aspects of the equine industry. Students will be able to obtain hands-on experiences in the classroom, arena, and stabling facilities. Opportunities will be available in horsemanship, training, managing horses of all ages, stallion handling and breeding, and mare and foal care.

Instruction in the ADVS Department also encompasses a diversified co-curricular program including allied clubs, intercollegiate livestock judging and rodeo teams, and involvement with their respective professional societies.

Requirements

Departmental Admission Requirements

Undergraduate admission requirements for the Animal and Dairy Science, Biotechnology, and Equine Science and Management emphases are the same as those described for the university. Students in good standing may apply for admission to the department. New freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to the Bioveterinary Science emphasis. Students with less than 60 semester credits transferring from other institutions need a 2.2 transfer GPA, and students with less than 60 semester credits transferring from other USU majors need a 2.0 GPA for admission to the Bioveterinary Science emphasis. All students with 60 or more semester credits need a 2.75 total GPA to be admitted to advanced standing in Bioveterinary Science.

Departmental Standards

The following minimum requirements apply to all students working toward a bachelor’s degree in Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences. Bachelor’s degree candidates must comply with these requirements in order to graduate: (1) courses required for the major may be repeated only once to improve a grade, and (2) courses required for the major may not be taken for pass-fail credit. In addition to these requirements, candidates must attain a grade point average of at least 2.50 in the ADVS courses specified as requirements in their emphasis curricula to graduate. Animal and Dairy Science, Biotechnology, and Equine Science and Management emphases candidates must attain an overall GPA of at least 2.25 to graduate. Bioveterinary Science emphasis candidates must attain an overall GPA of at least 3.0 to graduate.

Academic Advising

Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree program in the ADVS Department requires that a very close student-academic advisor relationship be established and continued through each student’s bachelor’s degree program. Each student must take the responsibility of establishing this close working relationship with his or her advisor. Doing this soon after a student’s acceptance into the department can keep academic problems to a minimum.

Suggested Four-year Plans

Suggested semester-by-semester four-year plans for students working toward a Bachelor of Science degree are available in the Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences Department. Students should consult with their advisor to develop a plan of study tailored to their individual needs and interests.

Undergraduate Program Assessment

The ADVS Department assessment plan defines learning objectives for each of its undergraduate emphases. These learning objectives are mapped to each of the required courses in each emphasis, so that they may be evaluated for their contribution to emphasis goals. Outcome measures have also been defined for each emphasis, and a process has been implemented to conduct exit interviews with all graduating students in Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences. Rate of admission to a professional veterinary medical program has been identified as the critical outcome measure for the Bioveterinary Science emphasis. The ADVS Department Curriculum Committee oversees the assessment process, with input from the ADVS Department Internship and Placement Committee. The ADVS Curriculum Committee reports its assessment findings to the ADVS department head, as well as to faculty members, and incorporates these findings in its regular ongoing and periodic comprehensive reviews and revisions of the ADVS Department undergraduate emphases.

Learning Objectives

Animal and Dairy Science Emphasis

The following Disciplinary Knowledge objectives apply:

1. Attain knowledge in mathematics and basic sciences required for disciplinary competency.
2. Know the nature, intent, and scope of animal and dairy science.
3. Attain depth in two subfields of animal and dairy science.
4. Achieve understanding in the disciplines of animal genetics, health, nutrition, and reproduction.
5. Integrate knowledge from the various disciplines to effectively conduct livestock operations.

Skills and Career Competencies objectives are as follows:

1. Comprehend reading materials appropriate to course levels.
2. Communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
3. Conduct library research using modern methods.
4. Use a computer for written work, presentations, and research.
5. Attain proficiency in basic techniques of animal management.

Biotechnology Emphasis

The following Disciplinary Knowledge objectives apply:

1. Attain a working knowledge of biological mechanisms, including genetics, reproduction, and microbiology.
2. Acquire a working knowledge of mathematics, including calculus and statistics.
3. Achieve a working knowledge of chemistry, including inorganic, organic, and biochemistry.
4. Attain a basic knowledge of animal biotechnology and ethics.

Skills and Career Competencies objectives are as follows:

1. Understand and perform molecular cloning.
2. Understand and perform cell culture procedures.
3. Understand and perform protein purification.
4. Communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
5. Achieve quantitative competency.
6. Conduct scientific-literature searches using modern methods.

Bioveterinary Science Emphasis

The following Disciplinary Knowledge objectives apply:

1. Attain a working knowledge of biological mechanisms, including molecular genetics.
2. Acquire a working knowledge of mathematics, including calculus and statistics.
3. Achieve a working knowledge of chemistry, including inorganic, organic, and biochemistry.
4. Acquire a basic knowledge of general physics.
5. Attain a basic knowledge of animal production, including breeding, nutrition, and reproduction.
6. Achieve a basic understanding of health and disease mechanisms.
7. Understand the ethics and profession of veterinary medicine.

Skills and Career Competencies objectives are as follows:

1. Communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
2. Achieve quantitative competency.
3. Conduct scientific literature searches using modern methods.

Equine Science and Management Emphasis

The following Disciplinary Knowledge objectives apply:

1. Attain knowledge in mathematics and basic sciences required for disciplinary competency.
2. Know the nature, intent, and scope of equine science and management.
3. Attain depth in two subfields of equine science and management.
4. Achieve understanding in the disciplines of equine behavior, health, nutrition, and reproduction of horses.
5. Integrate knowledge from the various disciplines to effectively conduct equine operations.

Skills and Career Competencies objectives are as follows:

1. Comprehend reading materials appropriate to course levels.
2. Communicate effectively in oral and written forms.
3. Conduct library research using modern methods.
4. Use a computer for written work, presentations, and research.
5. Attain proficiency in basic techniques of equine science and management.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Students interested in pursuing undergraduate research opportunities in the ADVS Department should contact Tami Spackman, Agricultural Science 419, tami.spackman@usu.edu, (435) 797-2150, for information and referrals.

University Honors Program

The University Honors Program offers students in all colleges and majors the unique opportunity to deepen their educational experience with hands-on practical applications of their academic knowledge. The Honors Program admits incoming, transfer, and existing USU students based on application. High achieving students with at least one year remaining are encouraged to apply.  See the University Honors Program catalog entry and website (honors.usu.edu) for more information.

Safety and Liability in Classes and Laboratories

Certain classes and laboratories involve a risk of bodily injury or of damage to clothing. Students should take appropriate precautions and wear suitable protective clothing. Some of the risks include handling or being near animals, slick floors or corrals, use of toxic or corrosive substances, and the use of sharp or breakable instruments and equipment. Students should take precautions to avoid fainting during demonstrations or work with animal tissues or operative procedures. Students must assume their own liability protection for travel to and from classes, laboratories, and field trips. The university and its employees assume no liability in the performance of classroom or laboratory instruction or on scheduled field trips, or for other dangerous activities. The student, by voluntarily participating in these classes and activities,  agrees to assume the risk and not hold USU or its staff liable.

Financial Support

In addition to the scholarships and other financial aid available through the university, the department awards designated scholarships to qualified students. The department employs students on a part-time basis to assist with its research and operate its animal facilities. The department also coordinates cooperative education and internship employment opportunities for students. For more information, contact the department.

Graduate Programs

Graduate Programs Coordinator: Dr. Lee Rickords
Location: Agricultural Science 248B
Phone: (435) 797-2195
FAX: (435) 797-2118
E-mail: lee.rickords@usu.edu

Admission Requirements

Prior to applying, the potential applicant must have a qualified ADVS Faculty member agree to allow them into their laboratory and be their major (supervisory) professor. Contact Dr. Lee Rickords with questions.

Applications are processed when we receive then and are reviewed on an ongoing basis. It is highly recommended that you submit all your materials early in the year because the department will begin accepting the top students in March of each year. If the class is not full, we will continue to review applications throughout the year.

General Requirements:

All prospective graduate students must apply through the School of Graduate Studies. Please note that all applicants must meet the following general admission requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, with a 3.0 GPA for the last 90 quarter or 60 semester credits earned, is required. An official transcript must be sent directly to the School of Graduate Studies from each college or university previously attended (except USU).
• Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). A score equal to or above the 40th percentile in both the verbal and quantitative sections is required. If one of the scores is below the 40th percentile, a petition can be made for further consideration. Scores must be sent directly to the Graduate School.
• Student recommendation request forms (included in application material) should be used to request three people to submit letters of recommendation directly to the Graduate School. Two letters of recommendation should be from faculty from whom you have taken course work.
• International Students: Please visit the Graduate School website for requirements.

Department Requirements:

An applicant must meet the minimum standard as set forth by the School of Graduate Studies, as well as the following department specific requirements:

• Applicants for a graduate program in animal or dairy science should have completed a BS undergraduate program similar to the science specialization of the USU animal science or dairy science BS degree. This background includes the following courses and their prerequisites:
  • Biol 1210 and 1220 or their equivalents
  • Chem 2310 and 2320 or their equivalents
  • Math 1050 and Stat 1040 or their equivalents
• Applicants with deficiencies in these areas may be admitted to the graduate program subject to the completion of remedial course work specified by the department. Other preparatory courses may be specified by the student’s supervisory committee.

Research

The ADVS department conducts a broad range of basic and applied research in the areas of animal reproduction, animal nutrition, livestock and dairy management, animal health and disease, virology, parasitology, toxicology, and molecular genetics. Department facilities include over 30 research laboratories on campus and at local and regional animal research facilities. There are research herds and flocks of beef and dairy cattle, sheep, and swine housed close to the university. Research in the department is funded by a multi-million dollar budget derived from support by the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station and by substantial outside contracts and grants. Cooperation with other departments and research centers of the university and with federal collaborators enhances the ADVS research and graduate programs. Significant in this regard are the university Center for Integrated BioSystems, the Utah State Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratories, the Laboratory Animal Research Center, the Center for Environmental Toxicology, the Center for the Genetic Improvement of Livestock, the Institute for Antiviral Research and the on-campus USDA Poisonous Plant Laboratory.

Financial Assistance

Both departmental and research grant support are available to matriculated graduate students on a competitive basis. The department funds graduate assistantships, which are available on a competitive basis to matriculated graduate students who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or residents. Students interested in departmental assistantships may contact Brenda. poulsen@usu.edu

Applications for graduate assistantships for the following academic year must be submitted by March 1.

Acceptance to graduate study in the ADVS Department does not constitute a guarantee of financial assistance.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities are available for students who have earned graduate degrees in the MS and PhD programs offered by the ADVS Department as described below.

MS and PhD Degree Programs (Specializations)

Animal Health and Disease

Career opportunities in this area exist in research, management, and sub management positions in public and private health research and testing organizations, and in commercial industries in the health field. Graduates from the MS program may seek admission to advanced degree programs in the biological sciences or veterinary medicine.

Animal Management

Career opportunities include extension, private consultation firms, farm and ranch management, sales and service to agricultural producers, agricultural finance, and international programs.

Animal Molecular Genetics

Career opportunities exist in extension university and private research, commercial animal breeding and genetic engineering enterprises, and international programs.

Animal Nutrition

Career opportunities exist in extension, university and private research, the commercial animal feedstuffs industry, private consulting firms, and international programs.

Reproduction and Development

Career opportunities exist in extension; university and private research; the pharmaceutical, embryo transfer, and artificial insemination industries; private consultation; and international programs.

Credit Requirements

BS to MS degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours
BS to PhD degree requires a minimum of 70 credit hours
MS to PhD degree requires a minimum of 42 credit hours
DVM to PhD degree requires a minimum of 42 credit hours

MPH degree requires a minimum of 42 credit hours

FACULTY - College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences