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.

Students will learn how to continue to manage a poultry flock.

Students gain experience in teaching advanced level (300-400) courses. Students will be expected to demonstrate specific competencies related to labs and assisting students; lead review sessions; gain experience in all aspects of teaching an advanced Animal Science class.

Students gain experience in teaching in introductory level (100-200) courses. Students will be expected to demonstrate specific competencies related to labs and assisting students; lead review sessions; gain experience in all aspects of teaching an Animal Science class.

Internship of other pre-professional work experience in the field of animal science.

Students will perform management activities that are required for the care of the UMass flock, learn skills and make decisions and administer treatments. The class is directly supervised by the shepherd with involvement from the staff veterinarian. Students have the opportunity to become TAs and present short lectures on related subjects such as: diseases, nutrition and lambing delivery, help provide instruction and organize the classes and activities

Boer Goat Management class overseen by faculty which incorporates all aspects of managing a small Boer Goat herd with the goal of merchandising purebred breeding stock.