Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Animal and Veterinary Sciences


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OVERVIEW OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 120/121

Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate: 2.0

Minimum Grade requirements for courses to count toward major: C- or higher is required for AVS 145, 146, 249, 303, 346, 347, 401, 402, 437, 455, 466 and 480.

Other GPA requirements to graduate: None.

Required Course(s) for fulfilling Capstone Experience: AVS 401 and AVS 402

Contact Information: Martin Stokes, AVS Program Coordinator, 130A Hitchner Hall,  (207)581-2770; stokes@maine.edu


The School of Food and Agriculture offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Animal and Veterinary Sciences. The animal sciences curriculum is designed to provide a solid understanding of biological sciences along with specific expertise in the diseases, breeding, nutrition, and physiology of domestic and laboratory animals. Because a basic knowledge in animal sciences is fundamental to successful work in many job situations, the curriculum offers a wide choice of electives so students may adapt their course of study to meet special professional interests or needs. Through the proper use of options, students can prepare for admission to a college of veterinary medicine or graduate school, to teach science in secondary schools, to pursue technical sales and service work in agriculture, for careers in animal-related research, or to develop animal production enterprises such as dairy, livestock or equine farms.

Program Overview

The degree in Animal and Veterinary Sciences is recommended for students who wish to pursue careers in animal agriculture, including the dairy, livestock, or equine industries or the other aspects of animal related research. This degree includes an undergraduate concentration in Pre-Veterinary Science, which is recommended for superior students who seek admission to veterinary college. The suggested courses beyond the basic degree requirements in Animal and Veterinary Sciences are those that are required or recommended for admission to Colleges of Veterinary Medicine in North America. Animal Science courses also serve as elective opportunities for students in other agricultural and life sciences, and minors are available in Animal and Veterinary Sciences or in Equine Studies.

Students may also consider continuing their studies at the graduate level after the completion of an undergraduate degree. The school offers the Master of Science degree in Animal Science for programs of study in animal nutrition, pathology, and reproductive physiology. The Doctor of Philosophy degree may be earned in Food and Nutritional Sciences, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, or through the Individualized PhD Program.

Hands-on Experience

An important aspect of the degree in Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AVS) is the requirement for hands-on experience with economically important domestic species. At the University’s Witter Teaching and Research Farm, AVS majors are given numerous opportunities to increase their competency with, and eventually manage, dairy cattle, and Standardbred horses.  We consider the experiential learning at the Witter Center to be a vital part of our students’ education, because it allows them to use their knowledge to solve practical problems on a working farm.

BS in Animal and Veterinary Sciences  (120 credits)
Required Animal and Veterinary Science Courses (30 credits)
Student-selected AVS and Related Courses (10 credits)
Science and Mathematics Courses (32 credits)
Human Values and Social Context Courses (18 credits)
Career Enhancement (18 credits)
English/Communication Courses (9 credits)
NFA 117 - Issues and Opportunities (1 credit)
General Elective Courses (2 credits)

Career Enhancement Electives
With the aid of their academic advisor, the student selects 18 credits of elective classes, or a minor program of study, that will help build knowledge and skills in preparation for a future career.

BS in Animal and Veterinary Sciences with Pre-Veterinary concentration (121 credits)
Required Animal and Veterinary Science Courses (30 credits)
Student-selected AVS and Related Courses (3 credits)
Science and Mathematics Courses, including Vet School requirements (60 credits)
Human Values and Social Context Courses (18 credits)
English/Communication Courses (9 credits)
NFA 117 - Issues and Opportunities (1 credit)

Required Courses in Suggested Sequence for the B.S. in Animal and Veterinary Sciences


Second Year - First Semester


Third Year - First Semester


Third Year - Second Semester


Fourth Year - First Semester


Fourth Year - Second Semester


Complete during second through fourth years:


Non-Ruminant Species


Choose at least 3 credits in this section:

Career-Related Experience


Choose at least 4 credits in this section:

Required Courses in Suggested Sequence for the B.S. in Animal and Veterinary Sciences (Pre-Veterinary Concentration)


Second Year - First Semester


Third Year - Second Semester


Fourth Year - First Semester


Fourth Year - Second Semester


Complete during second through fourth years:


Notes


Note 1: Most of our recent graduates who were accepted to colleges of veterinary medicine had accumulated at least 300 hours of experience under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Note 2: Several American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited veterinary colleges require BIO 335 - Human Anatomy, 4 credits and/or BIO 480 - Cell Biology, 3 credits. Check the specific requirements of the veterinary colleges that are on your preferred list.

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