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The Bachelor of Science in Animal Science

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units

See Bachelor's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. You can view MAPs on the Degree MAPs page in the University Catalog or you can request a plan from your major advisor.

General Education Pathway Requirements: 48 units

See General Education in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Pathway Requirements and course offerings.

This major has approved GE modification(s). See below for information on how to apply these modification(s).

  • ANSC 101 is an approved major course substitution for Life Sciences (B2).
  • AGRI 482 is an approved major course substitution for Upper-Division Social Sciences.
  • AGRI 482 is also an approved GE Capstone substitution.

Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

See Diversity Requirements in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education .

Literacy Requirement:

See Mathematics and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog. Writing proficiency in the major is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a course in your major which has been designated as the Writing Proficiency (WP) course for the semester in which you take the course. Students who earn below a C- are required to repeat the course and earn a C- or higher to receive WP credit. See the Class Schedule for the designated WP courses for each semester. You must complete the GE Written Communication (A2) requirement before you may register for a WP course.

Course Requirements for the Major: 80-81 units

Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree.

Lower-Division Requirements: 33-34 units

4 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
AGRI 180 The University Experience   1.0 FS  
A college success course for agricultural majors new to California State University, Chico. The course will explore the academic and social opportunities and resources available to promote successful completion of the student's educational goals. 1 hour discussion. Credit/no credit grading. (000198)
ANSC 101 Introduction to Animal Science   3.0 FS  
An overview, using a scientific perspective, of farm animals. Highlights anatomy and physiology of farm animals, reproduction, nutrition, animal health, animal products, animal behavior, and pertinent social issues, such as animal rights. Includes human opportunity to influence trait inheritance, population densities, and productivity. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (000419)
ANSC 230 Animal Feeds and Nutrition   3.0 FS  
An introduction to the nutrition of domestic and wild animals with emphasis on appropriate nutrition for various activities. A survey of the integration of feed production and animal production systems. Computer formulation and analysis of diets to achieve desired performance levels of animals. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (000434)
MATH 105 Statistics   3.0 FS  GE
Prerequisites: Completion of ELM requirement.
Summary of numerical data, elementary probability, distributions, and introduction to statistical inference. 1.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (005501)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
CHEM 107 General Chemistry for Applied Sciences   4.0 FS  GE
Prerequisites: Completion of ELM requirement, Intermediate Algebra.
A survey of the principles of chemistry, primarily for students in agriculture, industry and technology, and pre-nursing. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (001826)
CHEM 111 General Chemistry   4.0 FS  GE
Prerequisites: Completion of ELM requirement; second-year high school algebra; one year high school chemistry. (One year of high school physics and one year of high school mathematics past Algebra II are recommended.)
Principles of chemistry for students in science and engineering programs. Topics include atoms, molecules and ions, reactions, stoichiometry, the periodic table, bonding, chemical energy, gases, and solution chemistry. The laboratory sequence supports the above topics including both qualitative and quantitative experiments, analysis of data, and error propagation. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (001816)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
CHEM 108 Organic Chemistry for Applied Sciences   4.0 FS  GE
Prerequisites: CHEM 107 or CHEM 111 or equivalent.
A survey of organic chemistry emphasizing the structure, properties, and reactions of all major functional groups of organic molecules. Not applicable towards a degree in chemistry or biochemistry. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (001828)
CHEM 112 General Chemistry   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: CHEM 111 with a grade of C- or better.
A continuation of CHEM 111. Topics include kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical thermodynamics, coordination chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. The laboratory sequence supports the above topics including both qualitative and quantitative experiments, analysis of data, and error propagation. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (001817)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
ABUS 101 Introduction to Agricultural Business and Economics   3.0 FS  GE
The role of agricultural business in the economy. Introductory economic and business principles and their application to the solution of agricultural problems. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (000014)
ABUS 261 Farm Accounting   3.0 FS  
Introduction to the principles of farm accounting, farm business record keeping, agribusiness management, financial analysis, and enterprise budgeting. 2 hours lecture, 1 hour discussion. (000020)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
BIOL 151 Principles of Cellular and Molecular Biology Green Leaf Representing that this course is Sustainable 4.0 FS  GE
Prerequisites: Recommend CHEM 111 or concurrent enrollment.
Introduction to biological molecules, bioenergetics, cellular structure and function, elements of molecular biology and genetics, and mechanisms of macroevolution and systematics. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (001122)
PSSC 101 Introduction to Plant Science   3.0 FS  GE
Plant structure, growth, reproduction, and responses to the environment. How humans modify plants and the environment to grow crops. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. (007765)
PSSC 250 Introduction to Soil Science   3.0 SP  
Prerequisites: CHEM 107 or CHEM 111.
Soil biology, fertility, chemistry, physical properties, taxonomy and their applications to agricultural management and environmental enhancement. Relationships of soils to the world food supply and population. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (007776)

9 units selected from:

Any combination of lower division courses in Agriculture (AGRI), Agricultural Engineering Technology (AGET), Animal Science (ANSC), Plant Science (PSSC), Agricultural Business (ABUS), BIOL 152, BIOL 153, CHEM 270, PHYS 202A and PHYS 202B.

Upper-Division Requirements: 26 units

7 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
AGRI 305 Agricultural Genetics and Biotechnology   4.0 FS  
Prerequisites: ANSC 101 or PSSC 101; CHEM 107 or CHEM 111.
Mendelian inheritance, gene structure and action, sex-related inheritance, linkage and mapping, aneuploidy, polyploidy, population and quantitative inheritance, inbreeding and heterosis. Activities feature techniques in biotechnology with agricultural applications. 3 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (000211)
AGRI 482 Agricultural Issues   3.0 FS  GW
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 or JOUR 130 (or equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, senior standing or instructor permission.
An examination of major issues confronting agriculture emphasizing critical thinking, research, and balancing complex, and often opposing views of the role of agriculture in society. The course uses group work and presentations to enhance written and oral communication skills. This is the capstone course for AGRI, ANSC, and ABUS majors. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. (000229)
AGRI 490 Agricultural Experimental Research   4.0 FS  
Students design and execute applied agriculture research projects that seek to improve the management of agricultural enterprises. Students learn the most common experimental designs for agricultural research, utilize computer programs to analyze and interpret experimental data and further develop scientific writing skills. 3 hours lecture, 1 hour discussion. (000223)
ANSC 330 Animal Nutrition   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: ANSC 101, ANSC 230.
A study of the nutritive requirements of animals for maintenance, growth, lactation, reproduction and other bodily functions. Intermediary metabolism of nutrients, chemical and animal analysis of feedstuffs, design and implementation of nutrition studies and writing of a scientific paper. 2 hours seminar, 3 hours laboratory. (000465)
ANSC 340 Reproductive Physiology of Domestic Animals   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: ANSC 101.
The physiological mechanisms of reproduction in domestic animal species. Principles of reproductive anatomy, gamete formation, endocrinology, cyclicity and parturition. The laboratory experience will emphasize theory learned in lecture and will include uses of reproductive technology to maximize reproductive efficiency and fertility. 3 hours lecture. (000467)
ANSC 360 Animal Health and Disease   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: ANSC 101.
A study of disease processes in livestock. Principles of disease organisms and the physiology of infection. Mechanisms in which the body combats infections, i.e., immune response. Herd health considerations for disease prevention and treatment. 3 hours lecture. (000466)
ANSC 440 Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals   3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: ANSC 101, CHEM 107. CHEM 108 is recommended.
Comparative study of anatomy and physiology of organ systems, with major emphasis on farm animals. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (000456)

1 course selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
AGRI 331 Agricultural Ecology Green Leaf Representing that this course is Sustainable 3.0 FS  
Prerequisites: Completion of lower-division core or faculty permission.
An interdisciplinary treatment of physical and biological environments used for agriculture. Historical and ecological nature of agriculture its impact on the landscape and society. Comparison of sustainable and non-sustainable agricultural practices. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (000206)
PSSC 330 Rangeland Resources and Management   3.0 FA  
A survey of North American rangeland resources and the principles of their use and management, including basic plant-animal-soil relationships and multiple uses. 3 hours lecture. (007775)
PSSC 363 Forage Crops   3.0 INQ  
Prerequisites: PSSC 101 or PSSC 330.
Grasses and legumes; their production and management for irrigated pastures, hay, silage, and seed. Plant characteristics and adaptation. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (007812)

Animal Science Electives in the Major: 21 units

9 units selected from:

Note: 6 units must be upper division.

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
ANSC 271 Principles of Beef Cattle Production   3.0 FA  
An overview of the United States beef industry including an introduction to the segments of the beef production chain and the scope of the industry. The majority of the course focuses on basic principles including genetics and breeding, nutrition, reproduction, herd health, carcass evaluation and marketing. 3 hours lecture. (020992)
ANSC 272 Principles of Sheep & Goat Production   3.0 F2  
A study of approved practices in commercial and purebred sheep production with emphasis on production costs, disease, nutrition, genetic selection, production records, niche marketing, and contributions of sheep to environmental sustainability. 3 hours lecture. (000462)
ANSC 273 Principles of Swine Production   3.0 SP  
A study of approved practices in commercial and purebred swine production with emphasis on production costs, disease, reproduction, nutrition, genetic selection, production records and niche marketing. 3 hours lecture. (015865)
ANSC 274 Principles of Dairy Production   3.0 SP  
An overview of the United States dairy industry, emphasizing the life cycle of the dairy cow. Topics include calf raising, heifer development, dry cow management, and lactation management. Within each stage of production, discussion may include health, nutrition, reproduction, and genetics. Additionally, facilities management and cow comfort are introduced. 3 hours lecture. (021029)
ANSC 301 Intermediate Animal Systems   3.0 FA  
Prerequisites: ANSC 101.
An overview of world and United States animal production systems, emphasizing the scientific principles and management of large and small ruminants (beef, dairy, sheep, goats), monogastrics (swine, equine), as well as meat, poultry, and aquaculture. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory. (000455)
ANSC 350 Meat and the Consumer   3.0 FA  
Muscle growth and composition, nutritional and health concerns, meat safety and advances in product development, preparation and storage. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (000447)
ANSC 374 Organic Dairy Production and Management   3.0 SP  
Prerequisite: ANSC 101.
This course covers all scientific aspects of organic dairy production including soil fertility, grazing management, pasture and forage quality, nutritional ration balancing on pasture, enhancing dry matter intake on pasture, holistic herd health (including homeopathy, acupuncture and herbal medicine), organic methods to improve milk quality, organic calf management strategies, and the organic certification process and how to develop your Organic System Plan. The course also covers many new topics of discussion for organic research and development. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (021420)
ANSC 450 Food Sanitation and Quality Control   3.0 SP  
Prerequisites: ANSC 101; CHEM 107 or CHEM 111.
This course is intended for students involved in producing, selling, and handling food products who are interested in a course on principles of food sanitation and quality control from a management standpoint. 3 hours seminar. (000468)
ANSC 471 Advanced Beef Cattle Management and Production   3.0 SP  
Prerequisites: ANSC 101, ANSC 271 or faculty permission.
Advanced instruction of world and United States beef production systems. Investigation of the segmentation of the beef industry, including seedstock, commercial cow-calf, stocker, feedlot, packer, retailer and consumer. Integrated beef production systems are evaluated based on consideration of genetics, nutrition, health, reproduction, product, forage management and marketing. 2 hours seminar, 3 hours laboratory. (000459)
ANSC 474 Dairy Production and Management   3.0 FA  
Prerequisites: ANSC 101.
A comprehensive study of large dairy management with emphasis placed on efficient reproduction and nutrition. Additional studies include evaluation of replacement heifer development scenarios, cow comfort, and record keeping systems. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (000463)

12 units selected from:

Any combination of upper division courses in Agriculture (AGRI), Agricultural Engineering Technology (AGET), Animal Science (ANSC), Plant Science (PSSC), Agricultural Business (ABUS), BIOL 360, BIOL 416, CHEM 370, CHEM 451. A minimum of three UD ABUS units are recommended.

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.

Honors in the Major:

Honors in the Major is a program of independent work in your major. It requires 6 units of honors course work completed over two semesters.

The Honors in the Major program allows you to work closely with a faculty mentor in your area of interest on an original performance or research project. This year-long collaboration allows you to work in your field at a professional level and culminates in a public presentation of your work. Students sometimes take their projects beyond the University for submission in professional journals, presentation at conferences, or academic competition. Such experience is valuable for graduate school and professional life. Your honors work will be recognized at your graduation, on your permanent transcripts, and on your diploma. It is often accompanied by letters of commendation from your mentor in the department or the department chair.

Some common features of Honors in the Major program are:

  1. You must take 6 units of Honors in the Major course work. All 6 units are honors classes (marked by a suffix of H), and at least 3 of these units are independent study (399H, 499H, 599H) as specified by your department. You must complete each class with a minimum grade of B.
  2. You must have completed 9 units of upper-division course work or 21 overall units in your major before you can be admitted to Honors in the Major. Check the requirements for your major carefully, as there may be specific courses that must be included in these units.
  3. Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
  4. Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
  5. Most students apply for or are invited to participate in Honors in the Major during the second semester of their junior year. Then they complete the 6 units of course work over the two semesters of their senior year.
  6. Your honors work culminates with a public presentation of your honors project.

While Honors in the Major is part of the Honors Program, each department administers its own program. Please contact your major department or major advisor to apply.

Catalog Cycle:16