The BSc Animal Health program provides a strong background in basic life sciences with application in animal immunology and infection, animal physiology, nutrition, behavior and welfare, animal production and food processing. It is of value to students with an interest in the food animal production industry or in the field of companion animals. Experiential learning is a substantial component of this program.

The competitiveness of animal agriculture in western Canada depends on refinement and continued adaptation of production systems that respond to public sensitivities related to animal welfare and the safety of the food supply. Three majors within this degree (Companion and Performance Animals, Food Animals and Food Safety and Quality) will provide students with enrichment to match their interest and career goals. Graduates of the program will be well positioned for careers in the companion and performance animal industries or in the food-production value chain, from primary livestock and poultry production, through to product safety and quality.

During their first year, or before they register for their second year, students should consult an Academic Advisor. Course choices may affect scheduling for majors.

While registered in the BSc Animal Health program students may complete the requirements of the Pre-Veterinary Medicine program (§34.3.1) in order to be eligible to apply for admittance to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs at either the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine or the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Requirements of the program (72)

ALES 204

AN SC 100

AN SC 411

AREC 200 or 323

BIOCH 200

BIOL 107, 108, 207, 208

CHEM 101, 102 and 261

ECON 101 and 102

3 ENGL

IMIN 200

3 MATH

MICRB 265

STAT 151

12 Free Electives

3 Capstone [see Note 2 and 34.1(6)]

Students who plan to apply to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine are required to obtain credit for 6 physics and an additional 3 biochemistry (see §34.3.1). These courses are to be included within the 12 free electives.

The capstone course for this program is AN SC 499.

General Information: This unique major recognizes that companion animals, including horses, are playing an increasingly significant role in society. Many of these species are trained for search and rescue, narcotics detection, and as service animals to provide greater independence for the physically challenged. Sports that involve companion animals continue to increase in popularity and new roles for companion animals include animal assisted therapy or animal assisted activities to improving the well-being of individuals. In this major, students will develop an understanding of the physiology, nutrition, and behaviour of these animals, the evolving role of companion animals, and the sociology/psychology of the human-animal bond. Students will also have the opportunity to engage in research involving human-animal interactions. Graduates from this major will be well prepared for application to DVM programs if their interest is in companion animal medicine (including equine medicine) and postgraduate programs focusing on the role of companion animals in society. Graduates will also be prepared for employment in the many industries that support companion and performance animals.

Requirements of the program (48)

AN SC 110, 120, 260, 310, 311, 312, 378, 496

PSYCO 104, 281

3 from AN SC 412 or 464

15 Approved Program Electives [see §34.1(4)]

General Information: This major offers students enrichment in animal health in the livestock and poultry industries. Coursework focuses on a sound knowledge of how the animal agriculture and food industries interface, through an understanding of animal and human disease, animal nutrition, microbiology, physiology, behaviour and production. Students will work closely with agricultural animals and have many opportunities for industry interaction. Graduates with an interest in food animals will gain a solid foundation to proceed to a DVM degree. Other career opportunities could include the animal pharmaceutical industry, the livestock production industry (nutrition, farm animal welfare, livestock production regulation), and employment in the food safety and quality area. Students will also be well prepared to pursue graduate studies in livestock, biological sciences, or food safety.

Requirements of the program (48)

AN SC 200, 260, 310, 311, 312, 377

3 from AN SC 461, 462, 463

6 from AN SC 471, 472, 474, 476

NU FS 100, 363

15 Approved Program Electives [see §34.1(4)]

General Information: This major builds upon the interface between food animal health and food production, and is especially focussed on the food processing industries. The required coursework covers animal production nutrition and physiology, and has a large focus on animal product processing, food quality and safety. Graduates of this major are well prepared for DVM programs, as well as food safety and quality related employment in the rapidly growing food industry. Graduates are in high demand due to increased emphasis on on-farm food safety and quality assurance programs, as well as the design and implementation of HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) plans.

Requirements of the program (48)

AN SC 200

3 from AN SC 471, 472, 474, 476

9 from AN SC 320, 322, 420, NU FS 403, 404

NU FS 100, 312, 361, 427, 480

IMIN 324

15 Approved Program Electives [see §34.1(5)]