Animal Science (ANSC) Courses

ANSC1010 Introduction to Animal Science

This course explores how animals are utilized in agricultural production, recreation, and scientific research. Emphasis is placed on the variety of domesticated animal species used in modern agriculture, recreation, and scientific research. The role of animals in substantiable agricultural is examined. Students consider how animal welfare and animal rights topics influence the human animal relationship. Career opportunities in the animal science field are explored.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

ANSC1015 Introduction to Animal Science Laboratory

This is a companion course to Introduction to Animal Science. Students expand their knowledge and develop skills in basic care requirements for domesticated and kept animals in agricultural, recreational, and scientific research facilities. The influence of domestication, living arrangements, and management practices on animal behavior is observed with multiple species including beef cattle, dairy cattle, equine, swine, sheep and goats, poultry, and research animal species. Sustainable practices for each facility type are examined. Students partake in hands-on experiences at a variety of selective facilities.
Offered at Providence
1 Semester Credit

ANSC1050 Domestic Animal Anatomy and Physiology

This course covers the anatomy and physiology of domestic animals, based on cell, tissue, organ and system body structures. Species covered include companion animals in veterinary medicine and domesticated animals used in modern agriculture, recreation, and scientific research. Emphasis is placed on acquisition of a basic knowledge of anatomical structures, their operation and integration. Veterinary and anatomical nomenclature such as body planes and directional terms are studied. The following tissues and organ systems are covered: epithelium, connective tissue, blood and bone marrow, bone/cartilage, muscle tissue, nervous tissue, digestive system, circulatory system, reproductive, urinary system and respiratory system.
Prerequisite(s): Corequisite: ANSC1055.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

ANSC1055 Domestic Animal Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory

This course is a laboratory companion course coordinated with Domestic Animal Anatomy and Physiology lecture, which introduces domestic animal anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. This course explores anatomical structure and physiologic function through the use of anatomical models, dissection of mammalian specimens and examination/interpretation of diagnostic imaging commonly used in veterinary medicine. A regional/functional perspective is combined with a systemic overview of body systems and animal species comparisons. Skills essential to understanding the interrelationships between body systems, from molecular to organ levels, which are critical to the proper function of the dynamic animal body are applied.
Prerequisite(s): Corequisite: ANSC1050.
Offered at Providence
1 Semester Credit

ANSC1410 Introduction to Equine Studies

This course covers a wide range of topics important to the fundamental understanding of the horse industry. Topics include the evolution, history and development of the horse, as well as modern breeds and their current uses in sports, equine identification and basic anatomy. The roles of the psychology of the horse, learning theory and equine behavior as they relate to the ethical training of the horse are introduced. Students identify their personal and professional goals as they relate to careers in the equine industry.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

ANSC1415 Introduction to Equine Studies Laboratory

This laboratory companion course, coordinated with ANSC1410, develops skills in barn management, including barn safety, basic horse handling and care, feeding practices, grooming, stall maintenance, waste management, and taking vital signs. Managerial skills in organizing and developing horse care schedules and records are explored. Students observe learning theories, how horses learn, and ethical training methods to shape horse behavior and performance in relation to stabled horses. Students work at a variety of off-campus sites during this course.
Offered at Providence
1 Semester Credit

ANSC1420 Collegiate Horseback Riding

This course allows students to learn the fundamental skills and improve upon existing skills in the student’s chosen horseback riding discipline, according to individual interest or background. The course consists of a minimum of 12 weekly horseback riding lessons at an approved/partner facility within the semester with concurrent registration in this course. Students choose from partner facilities offered through the Experiential Education and Career Services online platform and are responsible for fees paid to the partner for services. Weekly journals and readings are available on the ulearn course page. Through reflective assignments, students gain insight regarding their own riding.
Offered at Providence
1 Semester Credit

ANSC2010 Principles of Animal Nutrition

This course focuses on nutrition of animal species used in modern agriculture, scientific research and companionship. Comparative digestive anatomy and the classes of nutrients including their digestion, use and sources are discussed. Nutrient requirements and feeding standards are explored. Feed requirements, laws and regulations, and labeling requirements are examined. Emphasis is placed on common feedstuffs and formulating rations and nutritional programs for animal enterprises.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC1050, ANSC1055.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

ANSC2030 Principles of Animal Behavior and Training

This course focuses on the application of ethology to understand and improve the systematic training of animals. This course examines animal behavior and the evolution of animal behavior. The communication process and techniques involving classical and operant conditioning are analyzed. Understanding aggression in animals and techniques to cope with aggression in animals are explored. Students are additionally introduced to and explore the various practices and techniques associated with animal training, with a particular emphasis placed on the skills necessary to train domestic and wild animals for husbandry, handling, and healthcare needs.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

ANSC2410 Equine Health and Sports Therapy

This course introduces the principles of equine health and sport therapy with a focus on nutrition, disease prevention and injury management. Students study the physiology of the digestive tract, nutrient requirements and feeding strategies that influence horse health and behavior. Common digestive disturbances, including choke, ulcers and colic, are discussed alongside major infectious and systemic diseases affecting horses. Emphasis is placed on designing preventative health programs, including vaccination schedules and herd management strategies. The course also explores conditioning methods for sport horses and therapies used in preventing and treating athletic injuries. Students connect equine physiology, nutrition and healthcare practices to optimize performance and welfare in the horses.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC1050 or ANSC1410.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

ANSC2420 Horsemanship, Training and Welfare

This course investigates the history and development of horsemanship and classical modern horseback riding theories. The early domestication and utilization of the horse is studied along with the development of horsemanship and riding theory from Xenophon through Caprilli. Modern classical horsemanship is covered, including the biomechanics of the rider in a variety of disciplines. Students gain both theoretical and practical knowledge, with an emphasis on humane, evidence-based approaches to horse training and welfare.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

ANSC3010 Animal Reproduction and Genetics

This course examines breeding methods and programs for domesticated animals. Reproductive anatomy, gestation and parturition of various animals are discussed. Students learn to develop a basic animal breeding program that considers Mendelian principles and ethical standards. Heritability and genetic diseases and disorders are researched within various animal populations. Advantages and disadvantages of different breeding methods and selection strategies are explored in this course in order for students to be well-versed in the history and current science of animal reproduction.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

ANSC3110 Animal Disease and Preventative Health

This course develops knowledge of the common diseases and disorders of animal species used in modern agriculture, scientific research and companionship. Fundamental principles in the transmission, pathogenesis, treatment and control of disease are covered. Identification of disease-producing organisms, signs of illness along with knowledge of vaccination and common disease management principles prepare the student to recognize and prevent health problems. Common pharmaceuticals, parasitology and anthelmintic programs are studied.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC1050, ANSC1055.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

ANSC3235 Animal Husbandry and Management Laboratory

This course examines the principles and practices of modern animal husbandry and management across a variety of species. Students explore nutrition, healthcare and behavior as key components of proper animal care. Emphasis is placed on safe and effective handling techniques for pocket pets, exotics, large animals and companion animals. The course addresses management strategies that promote animal welfare, enhance productivity and reduce environmental impact. Students assess animal quality, living conditions and well-being while identifying special conditions with unique care requirements. The course includes fieldtrips where students experience topics covered in the course. Through applied learning, the course integrates science-based practices with ethical considerations in animal management.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC2030, ANSC3110, Junior status.
Offered at Providence
1 Semester Credit

ANSC3350 Perspectives in Animal-Assisted Interventions

This course introduces students to the concepts and practices of Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI), including Animal-Assisted Activities, Therapies and Education (AAA, AAT, AAE). Information regarding the history and evolution of the human-animal bond and the benefits of this relationship are explored. The role of pets and other animals in contemporary society and common uses of animals in therapeutic settings, as well as ethical concerns when working with animals are covered. The history of the use of animals for therapeutic purposes is reviewed and current scientific studies of AAI are examined and evaluated. Guest speakers and/or visits to therapeutic/training facilities helps provides students with firsthand experience and insight into the use of animals as therapeutic agents.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

ANSC3410 Sport Horse Judging and Competition Management

This course covers the relationship of form to function in the horse and evaluating sport horses with respect to conformation and movement as a major area of concentration. Performance horse judging emphasizes the basic gaits of the equine athlete in various equestrian disciplines. A competitive judging format is utilized for students to place classes of horses and provide written justifications. This course also covers the management of horse shows with the implementation of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) rules as outlined in the USEF Rule Book. Students develop and learn about event planning, risk management, budgeting, show rules, staffing, sponsorship, marketing and the logistics of managing competitions across disciplines.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

ANSC3420 Equine Facility Management

This course covers a wide range of topics important to developing and managing an equine facility and maintaining a horse herd. Equestrian facilities are analyzed and developed for efficient layout and property design. Students create an operations plan based on various facility designs. The relationship between facility design, management practices and their impact on the environment is explored. Emphasis is placed on ethical decision-making, welfare standards and the responsibilities of equine professionals. Students analyze ethical case studies, develop critical thinking and deductive reasoning skills to engage in contemporary debates on equine industries.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

ANSC4120 Animal Welfare, Health and Wellness

This course focuses on the basic principles, history and application of animal welfare science for multiple species. It is an introduction to the moral and ethical theories of animal rights and welfare. Students learn to assess the welfare of animals in a variety of settings using science-based methods and reasoning. Contemporary issues in animal welfare are explored, including understanding economic incentives to improve animal welfare and reduce economic losses in farm animals. Various means of measuring animal welfare are explored including health, productivity behavior and physiological responses.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

ANSC4230 Laboratory Animal Science and Management

This comprehensive course in laboratory animal science prepares students for employment as animal care and handling technicians or assistants in scientific laboratories or biotech companies under the supervision of a scientist or lab manager. The course is designed to cover the educational materials necessary for the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) and Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) certification exams offered by the American Association of Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS), providing students pathways to establish careers in laboratory animal sciences. Topics covered include laboratory animal husbandry, handling, health and welfare practices. Basic laboratory animal facility administration, safety and management concepts, as well as best practices in research methodology are investigated. Career opportunities in laboratory animal care are explored.
Prerequisite(s): ANSC1050, ANSC1055, BIO1022, BIO1026.
Offered at Providence
3 Semester Credits

ANSC4410 Special Topics in Animal Science I

This course is designed to allow students to pursue advanced work in specialized animal and veterinary science topics; examples of potential topics: Advanced Animal Behavior and Training Techniques, Techniques in Veterinary Practice, and Animal Facilities Management Strategies. The course may be a combination of practical applications of knowledge and advanced research. All potential topics must be presented for faculty approval. Final presentation is required.
Offered at Providence
1 Semester Credit

ANSC4440 Special Topics in Animal Science II

ANSC4470 Special Topics in Animal Science III

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Animal Science (ANSC) Courses

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