Bachelor of Science in Animal Science

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science in Animal Science at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is designed to prepare students to gain employment in various sectors of animal science such as livestock operators, meat inspectors/graders, feed salesman, pharmaceutical sales, livestock service, and support staff, barn/ranch managers, livestock procurement, food processing, and quality control.  on farms, agricultural sales, and agriculture production. Courses cover topics such as Animal Science, Animal Nutrition, Anatomy and Physiology, Breeding and Genetics, Animal Behavior and Welfare, and Animal Health and Disease. The coursework provides a solid science foundation with experiential learning gained through labs and field exposure, with the UVI farms providing opportunities for practical training. Students will be exposed to livestock production and management in the specific areas of poultry, sheep, goats, swine, and equine. Incorporating genetics, natural resources, and sustainable agriculture concepts adapted to small farms and tropical environments provide students with marketable local skills but also prepares them with expertise that applies globally to animal science industries.

Program Objectives

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of knowledge and skills in animal production, management, and welfare across a range of domestic animal species.
2. Apply knowledge of animal behavior, and handling techniques to effectively interact with animals in a safe and humane manner.
3. Utilize concepts of breeding, physiology, nutrition herd health, economics, and management into practical and profitable animal production programs.
4. Explain the mechanisms and role of reproductive physiology in livestock production.
5. Show critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they apply scientific principles to a variety of animal production systems.
6. Understand how the application of modern animal production technologies and management practices impact production facilities, communities, and ultimately the animal.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of the benefits of pasture as the main source of livestock diet and understand the basic concepts of forage and pasture management.
8. Discuss the perspective of the social and economic issues and opportunities related to the animal industry in the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean.
9. Explain the importance of implementing environmentally sustainable animal agriculture practices.
10. Distinguish between the different components of the animal agriculture industry.
11. Identify safe and healthy working conditions in various animal facilities and animal production settings.
12. Recognize workplace procedures, technical standards/regulations, and elements of the work culture while functioning in a collaborative environment.
13. Identify problems in diverse animal industry settings (biological, social, environmental, technical, marketing, financing, ethical, and regulatory).

Graduation Requirements

Students in the BS program in Animal Science will fulfill the General Education requirements outlined for the BS degree by taking Freshman Studies courses (if required), taking a proscribed set of 3 humanities courses and 9 additional humanities credits to fulfill the 18-credit humanities requirement, taking 28 credits of proscribed science and math courses, and taking 9 credits of social sciences. Total credits earned must add to 120 credits. Other Requirements*. 

A.    General Education Requirements                                                                                        58 credits

B.    Animal Science Requirements                                                                                                55 credits

C.    Elective Courses                                                                                                                               7-14 credits

Total                                                                                                                                                                  120 credits

*Other Requirements (2 Credits): Students are required to take 0.5 credit hour in Physical Education for every semester they are full-time students up to the required two credits. PLS 200 may be used to meet this requirement.

English Proficiency Examination

Computer Literacy Examination

Paradigm (Degree Plan)

First Year (Semester 1)

 

 

First Year (Semester 2)

Second Year (Semester 3)

Second Year (Semester 4)

Third Year (Semester 5)

Third Year (Semester 6)

Fourth Year (Semester 7)

Fourth Year (Semester 8)

§: Required for all freshman students matriculating into the university with less than 24 credits.