The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of the various business management decisions involved in the organization and operation of an animal-related firm for continuous profit and production efficiency. Students will acquire knowledge and proficiency in applying the various economic principles and business management analysis concepts which aid an owner/operator in the decision-making process for an animal-related business operation.

A microbiology laboratory course for skill development and discovery, focusing on the importance of microbes in animal health and disease, emphasizing development of essential techniques, including sterile technique, microscopy, enrichment, isolation, cultivation, characterization (including antibiotic susceptibility), and molecular detection of microbes; laboratory exercises designed to encourage students to develop and test hypotheses, and to think critically about their observations.

Managerial problems and practices associated with successful dairying in the Northeast and the U.S. Includes dairy cattle nutrition, selection, breeding, lactation, and waste management.

Description not available at this time.

Horse breeding will provide understanding and hands-on opportunity in equine reproduction. Specifically, semen collection, evaluation and processing practice; discussion in mare breeding management and use of hormones; preparation of the mare for breeding; introduction to embryo transfer. Additionally, the mares in the breeding program at the Hadley Farm will be worked-on during laboratories and students will be able to participate in teasing and decision-making on breeding management and assisting in foaling. Client based cases may also be introduced during lab sessions.

This course partners the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences with a local dairy farm to provide an animal-intensive learning experience. Small groups (2-4) of participating students working in shifts, are expected to feed and care for dairy calves seven days per week under the direct supervision of the instructor. Students are also expected to meet weekly as a group to weigh, clean, and perform other management procedures that may be necessary.

Students will reflect on their General Education experiences and discuss how they directly impact their Honors Thesis. They will share these reflections and discuss how working in a laboratory has impacted their overall educational experience in-class. The students will then work together to co-organize (with the instructor) an information evening that is designed to bring together other VASCI students who are interested in joining laboratories and share their reflections on this topic.

This course is evenly divided between molecular and cellular aspects of the biology of eukaryotes and is designed to prepare sophomores for upper level science courses such as genetics, biochemistry, immunology, and the physiology of reproduction. Topics covered include DNA packaging and X-inactivation, enzymes and DNA replication, genes and genomes, polymerase chain reaction and forensics, protein structure, cellular structure and signaling, the extracellular matrix, and cell division and death. Problem sets will be based on the analysis of primary scientific journal articles.

The course focuses on understanding and solving problems that have arisen, at least in part, from human-animal interactions. While these interactions frequently originate with the best of intentions, the consequences are often unexpected and not very good. Through reading primary peer-reviewed literature as well as web postings, students will acquire the specific knowledge, which, combined with information from their previous courses in their major and general education classes, will form the basis for group and class discussions.

This course will educate students on poultry anatomy and physiology. Discuss various common poultry diseases and well as their prevention, symptoms and treatments. Student will form groups and research topics in the current poultry industry and have debates concerning these issues at the end of the semester.