Animal & Veterinary Science
Animal & Veterinary Sciences by Cody McClain
Course Descriptions
Food and Natural Resources 
Prerequisites: None
Grade: 9‐10 recommended
Credit: 1.25 Elective
This first course in the career field is an introduction to Agricultural and Environmental Systems. Students will be introduced to the scope of the Agricultural and Environmental Systems career field. They will examine principles of food science, natural resource management, animal science & management, plant & horticultural science, power technology, woodworking, welding and bioscience. Students will examine the FFA organization and Supervised Agricultural Experience programs. Throughout the course, students will develop communication, leadership and business skills essential to the agriculture industry.
Animal Health
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 10‐12
Credit: 1.25 Advanced Science
Students will examine causes, symptoms, and treatment of common diseases with emphasis on developing preventative health management plans. Topics will include the study of pathogens, and classifying types of diseases and disorders. Students will perform animal health assessments and compare to standard characteristics. Throughout the course, students will utilize principles of technology to manage information systems, and research issues affecting the industry. We will be working with live animals as well as performing dissections in this course. This course may be taken toward fulfillment of the 3rd credit of Science required for graduation.
Companion Animal Selection, Nutrition and Management
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 10‐12
Credit: 1.25 Advanced Science
Calling all pet owners! If you are interested in learning more about the proper care, management, and selection of companion animals like dogs and cats, then this class is for you! Topics covered include breed ID, anatomy, nutrition and health, handling, grooming, training, and responsible breeding programs. The class will also answer question about animals raised for research purposes, and our role to ensure animal welfare in all aspects of pet ownership. We will be working with live animals as well as performing dissections in this class. This course may be taken toward fulfillment of the 3rd credit of Science required for graduation.
Livestock Selection, Nutrition and Management
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 9‐12
Credit: 1.25 Advanced Science
Students will identify and apply principles of routine husbandry practices to production animal populations. Topics will include principles of nutrition, feed utilization, animal welfare, selection and management of facilities and herd populations. Students will apply knowledge of production animal care to enhance animal growth, selection of breeding stock, and management practices. Throughout the course, students will develop management plans reflecting practices for care and legal compliance. We will be working with live animals as well as performing dissections in this course. This course may be taken toward fulfillment of the 3rd credit of Science required for graduation.
Meat Science and Technology
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 9‐12
Credit: 1.25 Advanced Science
Students will apply food chemistry and microbiology to processing, preservation, packaging, storage and marketing of meat products. Students will design and implement a quality assurance program that meets legal compliance and demonstrates knowledge of safe operation and maintenance of equipment and facilities. Students will evaluate carcass composition, assign quality grades, and examine valued-added products. Throughout the course, students will demonstrate customer service and sales techniques while understanding the scope and importance of business and safety regulations. This course may be taken toward fulfillment of the 3rd credit of Science required for graduation.
Equine Selection, Nutrition and Management
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 9‐12
Credit: 1.25 Advanced Science
Students will identify and apply responsible animal science principles and management practices to equine populations. Topics will include equine nutrition, selection, reproduction and facility design and management. They will apply knowledge of equine science to enhance animal growth, enrichment and training, along with providing educational and visitor engagement programs. Throughout the course, students will develop management plans that reflect the classification of animals and follows best practices for care and legal compliance.
Veterinary Science
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 10‐12
Credit: 1.25 Advanced Science
Students will learn causes, symptoms, and treatment of common diseases with special emphasis on developing preventative health management plans and breeding programs. Topics include veterinary pharmacology, radiology and imaging techniques, principles of surgery, safe laboratory skills, and the concepts of ethics and professionalism in the workplace. Students will develop skills in inquiry and statistical methods. Throughout the course, learners will utilize principles of technology to manage information systems, and research issues affecting the industry. We will be working with live animals as well as performing dissections in this class. This course may be taken toward fulfillment of the 3rd credit of Science required for graduation.
Medical Terminology
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 10‐12
Credit: 1.25 Advanced Science
This course focuses on the applications of the rules for constructing and defining medical terms with an emphasis on building a working medical vocabulary. Topics include using the appropriate abbreviations and symbols for anatomical, physiological and pathological classifications and the associated medical specialties and procedures. Students will decipher medical terms by identifying and using word elements with an emphasis on derivation, meaning, and pronunciation. Further, students will interpret and translate medical records and documents. This course may be taken toward fulfillment of the 3rd credit of Science required for graduation.
Agri-Business Management I
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 11‐12
Credit: 1.25 for class + up to 2.00 for work. *CTAG (College Credit)
Students will examine elements of business, identify organizational structures and apply management skills while developing business plans, financial reports and strategic goals for new ventures or existing businesses. Learners will use marketing concepts to evaluate the marketing environment and develop a marketing plan with marketing channels, product approaches, promotion and pricing strategies. Throughout the course, students will apply concepts of ethics and professionalism while implications of business regulations will be identified. Student will also be eligible to apply for College Credit for this class at any State Institution that offers an Agricultural Business program.
Agri-Business Management II
Prerequisite: Agri‐Business Management
Grade: 12
Credit: 1.25 for class and up to 2.00 for work
Learn how to run the day to day operations of a business. You will run all the business side of the FFA, while building relationships with local companies. You will be taking an active leadership role in FFA and learn vital communication skills. Be ready to run your own business with the skills taught in this class.
Animal Capstone
Prerequisite: None
Grade: Instructor Approval
Credit: 1.00
This class is for upper level Ag students who have taken at least 2 Agricultural classes as a way for students to expand their learning. This class is more self‐directed in nature to allow for specialization for each student. To enroll in this class students must get instructor approval. Students will submit an application to AG Instructor to enroll.
Veterinary and Animal Science Capstone
Prerequisite: None
Grade: Instructor Approval
Credit: 1.00
This class is for upper level Ag students who have taken at least 2 Agricultural classes as a way for students to expand their learning. This class is more self‐directed in nature to allow for specialization for each student. To enroll in this class students must get instructor approval. Students will submit an application to AG Instructor to enroll.
Schedule a tour to learn more about the Animal Science & Management pathway.