Degree Level Course Descriptions
ANSC 2002 Introduction to Equine Science (A)
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course is an introduction to the behaviour, anatomy, nutrition, and history of horses. What behavioural principles underlie horse training? How is their performance influenced by their conformation? What is unique about their digestive system? How did horses evolve? The course will include discussion of sources and treatment of illness and disabilities, and the biology and control of common parasites; demonstrations of English and Western riding (students will not be taught to ride); visits to the Truro Raceway; study of the importance of shoeing to the working horse; and exposure to the use of horses as draft animals.
FORMAT:
- Lecture
- Lab
- Online Delivery
FORMAT COMMENTS: Lectures will be 1 hour in class and 2 online. Labs will be in class only.
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 1
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
PREREQUISITES: second-year standing or equivalent, in any program
ANSC 2003 Companion Animal Behaviour
CREDIT HOURS: 3
In this course, students will study the fundamentals of animal learning and how those principles affect success in training and behaviour modification. Attention will be given to understanding and solving behaviour problems (e.g., separation anxiety, dominance aggression, fighting, inappropriate urination, and behavioural stereotypies). The focus is on companion animals – dogs and cats, and to some extent horses. The normal development of behaviour in those species will be covered.
FORMAT: Lecture
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
ANSC 2004 Organic Livestock Production (A) DE
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course provides information on organic livestock production in general, as well as more detailed analyses of organic beef and sheep, dairy, and swine and poultry production. An in-depth study of organic approaches to livestock health is included. The course is divided into five stand-alone modules: Introduction to Organic Livestock Production, Organic Beef and Sheep Production, Organic Dairy Production, Organic Swine and Poultry Production, and Health Management in an Organic Livestock System. Students will be required to participate in discussion forums and make use of the organic information resources available on the Internet. Evaluation will be based on participation, module quizzes, written assignments, and a final exam.
FORMAT COMMENTS: DE - only offered as a web-based distance education course.
ANSC 2005 Animal Agriculture (A)
CREDIT HOURS: 3
Through a mixture of classroom lectures and exercises at Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie, this course will enable students to recognize common breeds of farm animals, to describe livestock production cycles and methods, and to understand the place of farm animals in the world food system. The course will provide introduction to subject matter covered in more senior animal science courses, such as nutrition, reproduction, behavior and welfare, animal anatomy, and environmental physiology. The interaction of livestock production with our environment will be examined.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
PREREQUISITES:
AGRI 1000
ANSC 2007 Beef Production and Management (A)
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course will focus on the management of commercial beef farms, ranging from cow/calf to stocker/feeder operations. Components of breeding, nutrition, and behaviour will be discussed. A systems approach to the management of the farm will be undertaken. The role of the manager in optimizing production is an important component. A historical perspective on the Atlantic beef industry along with coverage of emerging trends will be part of the course. Key beef industry issues such as the impact of BSE, animal welfare, and beef marketing will be discussed.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
ANSC 2008 Equine Facilities Management (A)
CREDIT HOURS: 3
Students examine behavioural and environmental considerations important in designing an equine facility, and explore the options available for ensuring high standards of animal welfare in the facility. The course will enable students to design and implement protocols for managing the facility and for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements or industry standards. Students participate in tours to view a variety of facility options. Some of these tours may be conducted outside of class time.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
PREREQUISITES:
ANSC 2002.03
EXCLUSIONS:
ANSC 0215
ANSC 3000 Animal Breeding (A)
CREDIT HOURS: 3
The course covers variation in animal performance and the techniques whereby genetic superiority can be recognized and improved. Goals and programs of improvement are discussed with reference to commercial farm species. The emphasis is on programs in current use but applications of new technologies are included. Labs deal primarily with data collection, analysis, and computer applications.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
PREREQUISITES:
GENE 2000,
STAA 2000
ANSC 3001 Animal Health (A)
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course seeks to impart an understanding of animal health and its importance in livestock production enterprises. Students are taught to recognize signs of health and ill health and to understand the principles and practices of disease prevention and treatment. Conditions of disease and ill health common in Atlantic Canada are studied. The need for veterinary collaboration is emphasized, and the circumstances in which this should be sought are discussed.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
PREREQUISITES:
Any of BIOA 2006, BIOA 3005, BIOL 3078, DENT 1119, MARI 3074, PHYL 1000 & PHYL 1010, PHYL 1400, PHYL 2032
ANSC 3002 Domestic Animal Behaviour (A)
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course studies the behaviour of farm animals and presents information that is relevant to the care and management of animals. Topics covered include domestication, animal communication, social behaviour, reproductive and maternal behaviour, development of behaviour, genetics of behaviour, and the influence of management systems and practices on behavioural characteristics. Considerable attention is also given to welfare issues in animal agriculture.
FORMAT:
- Lecture
- Lab
- Online Delivery
FORMAT COMMENTS: This course may be offered via in-class or online delivery
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
PREREQUISITES:
Any one of: BIOA 2006, BIOA 3005, BIOL 3078, DENT 1119, MARI 3074, PHYL 1000, PHYL 1010, PHYL 1400, PHYL 2032
ANSC 3003 Eggs and Dairy Products (A)
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course deals with the nature and composition of eggs and milk and their products such as cheese and yogurt; hygiene; processing; and storage.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
ANSC 3004 Meat Science (A)
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course covers growth of meat animals and the nature of muscle, bone, and fat; conversion of muscle to meat; quality and grading of fresh meat; hygiene and storage; meat processing, meat products, and by-products.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
ANSC 3005 Animal Welfare (A)
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course deals with the well-being of animals, with emphasis on farm animals. Issues include what we mean by animal welfare, what the animal welfare issues are in modern agriculture and in modern society, and how we use ethology and physiology to assess animal welfare. The course outlines the international efforts to improve on farm animal welfare. There is a term project in which students attempt to assess animal welfare in a particular farm (or other) environment, and all students will participate in class debates on current issues in animal welfare.
NOTES: Winter semester
FORMAT:
FORMAT COMMENTS: This course is offered both Online and In Class
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
PREREQUISITES: At least third-year standing
ANSC 3006 Companion Animal Biology
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course includes modules on physiology (reproductive, muscle physiology and performance, thermoregulation), digestive physiology and nutrition, and genetics and breeding programs, and the importance of these for management and welfare of companion animals. The emphasis is on domestic dogs and cats, with pocket pets and exotic pets included in appropriate sections. Legal and environmental issues related to companion animals are discussed. Laboratory sessions include evaluation of diets and dietary supplements, reproductive and
digestive anatomy, and computer applications for colour genetics and breeding programs.
FORMAT:
FORMAT COMMENTS: Offered in alternate years
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
PREREQUISITES:
GENE 2000
ANSC 3007 Wildlife Ecology in South Africa
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course will give students an understanding and appreciation of ecological principles and the complexities of conservation through observation and experience of both the natural and social environments in South Africa. Students will travel to a South African game reserve, where they will observe the animals and plants in South Africa's unique vegetation zones. Both biotic and abiotic factors will be used to determine South Africa's unique vegetation zones, particularly with respect to the role of large mammals. The focus will be on the manner in which the structure and composition of vegetation influences the community structure of small and large mammals, birds, reptiles and insects. A thorough understanding of South African (sub Saharan) ecology and how the unique natural and social history of South Africa has contributed will help prepare students for the general ecological and conservation issues.
FORMAT: Other (explain in comments)
FORMAT COMMENTS: Intensive four week course in South Africa
PREREQUISITES:
BIOA 1002.03 and
BIOA 1003.03 or equivalent
ANSC 3008 Equine Genetics and Reproductive Management (A)
CREDIT HOURS: 3
Students examine in detail the processes of reproduction and lactation in horses, as well as the requirements for care and management of the mare during breeding, parturition, and lactation. Students also study the growth and development of the foal and the requirements for care of the foal. The common breeds of horses and the genetics of coat colour, conformation, and performance will be discussed. The course will enable the students to evaluate the genetic merit of sires and dams, and to plan matings and genetic strategies to meet the genetic goals of their operation. Finally, students will obtain a basic knowledge of health care and disease prevention, and be able to address issues related to biosecurity.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
PREREQUISITES:
ANSC 2002.03 and
GENE 2000.03
ANSC 3009 Applied Equine Nutrition (A)
CREDIT HOURS: 3
Students will study the anatomy and physiology of the equine digestive tract and examine changes in the requirements for specific nutrients at different stages of growth and development. Students will also engage in comprehensive study of common digestive disorders, metabolic diseases, endocrine disorders and their nutrition. Analysis of different types of feeds, dietary management with health and welfare implications will be covered; nutrition troubleshooting and formulation of diets based on life stage and level of activity will also be conducted.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
PREREQUISITES:
ANSC 2002.03 and
CHMA 2002.03
EXCLUSIONS:
ANSC 0213.03
ANSC 3010 Equitation Science
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course will explore and examine the behaviour of horses and the influence of humans on the animal's learning and training. By applying scientific methods, students will learn how to assess the overall health and welfare of the horse during interactions with humans.
Topics covered will include equine behaviour and cognition, types of learning, learning theories and their application, biomechanics of equine movement and the influence of the rider, and assessment of equine welfare during training and riding.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
PREREQUISITES:
BIOA 2006.03 and
ANSC 2002.03
ANSC 3011 Equine Behaviour and Learning
CREDIT HOURS: 3
Equine behaviour in both feral and domesticated horses will be examined and the influence of humans on the animal's learning and behaviour. Students will learn to recognize and interpret equine body language and its practical applications within current training and husbandry practices. Type and causation of various abnormal equine behaviours and methods of behavioural rehabilitation will be covered. Students will examine equine perception and principles of learning and how application of these principles can improve training and behaviour. The human-horse relationship will also be explored.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
PREREQUISITES:
BIOA 2006.03 and
ANSC 2002.03
EXCLUSIONS:
ANSC 0219.03
ANSC 4001 Equine Exercise Physiology and Health (A)
CREDIT HOURS: 3
The objective of this course is to examine the anatomy and physiology of the horse with special attention to the respiratory, skeletal, muscular and cardiovascular systems at different life stages. The course will enable students to analyze how the horse's health and soundness is affected by their environment, level of fitness and condition.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 2
PREREQUISITES:
ANSC 3009.03 and
ANSC 3010.03
EXCLUSIONS:
ANSC 0216.03
ANSC 4003 Avian Production Systems (A)
CREDIT HOURS: 3
This course will focus on management of commercial poultry, from hatching to the production of value-added products. The course material will require the application of the sciences of nutrition, genetics, physiology, and behavior to understand the key aspects of growth, reproduction, and health of commercial poultry species.
FORMAT:
LECTURE HOURS PER WEEK: 3
LAB HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES:
ANSC 2005,
NUTR 3000