Animal Sciences Student Handbook

Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences 
College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources 
University of Hawai`i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI`

Updated 6/09/2023 

 


Welcome | Student Learning Outcomes | Admission & Registration | Degree Requirements | Career Opportunities | Pre-Veterinary Track | Useful Websites | Student Academic Support Services | Course Descriptions

 

 

 

Welcome!

Animal Sciences (ANSC) is the application of experimental investigation, cutting edge technology, and other scientific principles for the advancement of efficient and environmentally friendly animal agriculture and improved food quality and safety. Students receive training in both basic and applied agricultural systems, as well as in animal sciences. The present program focuses on pre-veterinary training with most emphasis on swine, sheep, beef and dairy cattle, and pond aquaculture production and management systems. Students are also exposed to the challenges of proper care/welfare and management of pets and companion animals (including horses), marine mammals, exotic wildlife and/or zoo animals. Unlike most continental United States institutions, the emphasis of the present program is on tropical production systems with particular reference to the Pacific Basin or other sub-tropical regions. 

 

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  1. Know and understand the basic principles of applied animal biology.
  2. Understand the fundamental tenets of animal science disciplines including genetics, growth and development, meat science and muscle biology, comparative nutrition, feeds and feeding, anatomy, basic and environmental physiology, endocrinology and reproduction.
  3. Apply this knowledge to the basic understanding and application of appropriate husbandry best practices to animals of economic value.
  4. Read and be able to analyze scientific or technical papers critically.
  5. Communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
  6. Develop problem-solving skills for lifetime learning.
  7. Understand the importance of good citizenship in both personal and professional habits.
  8. Understand the scientific method and design of experiments to test hypotheses and as such experience the process of discovery.
  9. Explore the relationship between applied animal biology and society, including contemporary ethical issues raised by animal research, the use of animals by humans, and the role and impact of animal agriculture and applied animal biology on the planet.
  10. Recognize and use appropriate technologies, such as computer applications and laboratory methodologies.

 

 

Admission

New students who apply to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM) as first-year students or transfer students may apply directly to the program by specifying Animal Sciences (ANSC) as their major on their application form. Please visit the Office of Admissions website for details about applying.

Students who have taken courses at another university or community college outside of the University of Hawaiʻi system must arrange to have their official transcripts sent to the UH-Mānoa Admissions Office for evaluation of transfer credits. Courses not meeting the university core requirements, but are acceptable academically, will be transferred and counted as elective credits. Transfer students can check the “Transfer Credit Database” created by the UHM Admissions Office to see how courses transfer to UHM.

Students wishing to transfer from another UHM program into ANSC are required to contact the CTAHR Advising Office at ctahradv@hawaii.edu to request a change of major. Acceptance into the program will be based on a minimum cumulative UHM grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

 

Registration

Students register for courses online through STAR GPS Registration. STAR GPS Registration is an easy-to-navigate registration system that shows courses students need to graduate in a timely manner and allows students to personalize their academic plan to fit their unique college experience. STAR GPS Registration allows students to do the following:

  • Register for classes that count directly into their degree/requirements so they don’t go off track
  • A visual calendar of the classes students are choosing and how they fit together
  • Direct integration of students’ class schedule into their Google calendar
  • Easily switch classes using the add/drop options
  • Search for classes at any UH campus
  • View transcript

For help about STAR, students can meet with an academic advisor or visit the HELP website. Registration dates and times are published on the Registration Timetable.

 

Degree Requirements

The Animal Sciences program sheet and four year plan can be found at the Bachelor Degree Program Sheet and Sample Four Year Academic Plans website. Please scroll down the page to the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

Accepted students who have set up their UH username and password may also find their requirements on the STAR GPS Registration website. Log onto your STAR Account by visiting the website.

 

Career Opportunities

Animal Scientists have careers in management and production, veterinary medicine, food processing and marketing, animal biotechnology, zoo and wildlife management, the pharmaceutical and feed industries, teaching, extension education, and research. Those positions require skills in disciplines such as nutrition, genetics, physiology, environmental and waste management, meat science and growth biology, animal health, feed and forage/browse utilization, engineering, business management/marketing and salesmanship. Other skills of critical importance are computer proficiency, written and oral communication, problem solving, and ability to build effective interpersonal relationships.

Schedule a meeting with a career counselor in Mānoa’s Career Center for more information on professions to enter after graduation

Here are examples of the attractive and rewarding careers in animal science:

  • Animal Care and Welfare - You will receive training pertaining to the current issues of animal welfare as they relate to production and husbandry. Employment opportunities exist with humane societies, animal shelters, and allied veterinary groups.
  • Animal Health -  You will learn about the disease problems of livestock, poultry, and companion animals and their economic significance, causes, public health implications, and control. Employment opportunities exist in areas such as veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, and in various pharmaceutical industries.
  • Animal Production and Management - You will learn the principles, theories, and practices involved in the production of beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry, sheep, goats, horses, and aquatic animals.
  • Business - You will receive a background in economics and agricultural practices that are useful for agricultural loans, commodity trading, and agribusiness.
  • Extension - Many animal science graduates work for State and Federal Cooperative Extension Services.
  • Engineering - Animal agriculturalists assist in the development of animal housing designs, equipment manufacturing, and waste management systems.
  • Environmental Control - You will learn about the impact that animal industries have on waste management, energy production, nutrient application, and recycling.
  • Genetics and Animal Breeding - You will learn the principles of genetics and how they apply to livestock, poultry, companion animals, aquatic, and laboratory research animals. Biotechnology techniques and the potential developments in this area are also covered. Understanding the principles of genetics is required for working in the areas of gene manipulation, embryo transfer, artificial insemination, and breeding stock supply.
  • Government - You will qualify for many state, federal, and municipal positions such as those of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Plant and Animal Quarantine Stations.
  • Meat Science - You will study the development, growth, function, and carcass evaluation of muscle tissue. Many career opportunities exist in this area such as meat processing and inspection, quality control, sales, and marketing.
  • Nutrition - You will study the application of the principles of nutrition to the feeding of farm animals, composition and nutritional value of feedstuffs, and the nutritional requirements of beef and dairy cattle, horses, poultry, and swine. Training in nutrition is essential for employment in feed manufacturing and supplies, feed/forage utilization, and sales.
  • Scientific Research and Investigation - You will learn skills in the basic and applied sciences that will enable you to pursue most career options requiring a science-based degree.

  • Teaching - Animal science graduates work as instructors and administrators in schools, 4-H organizations, and Future Farmers of America.

 

Pre-Veterinary Track

Veterinary Medicine is an amazing profession that is responsible for the health and well-being of all animals ranging from companion animals, farm animals and wildlife to marine mammals, exotics and laboratory animals. 

The pre-veterinary medicine program is not a degree granting major, it is an advising program to better prepare University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa students for applying to veterinary school. Dr. Jenee Odani is the dedicated pre-veterinary advisor to help you prepare for application to veterinary school admission. The advisor’s responsibility is to provide you with information and resources to improve your knowledge regarding the admissions process, including admission requirements, application steps and other requirements.

Each veterinary school has its own specific admission requirements, but a strong foundation in the sciences, effective communication skills, and a passion for lifelong learning are keys to success. Advising from the Pre-Veterinary program is beneficial to you but ultimately it is up to you to take your academics seriously and put forth the considerable effort required to ensure your admittance to veterinary school. The day that you receive your veterinary diploma and can call yourself a member of the veterinary profession, you’ll look back at all the hard work and sacrifice and know that it was all worth it.

Hawaiʻi does not have a veterinary school but is part of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) that allows for a limited number of students to attend veterinary schools that are part of WICHE and pay in-state tuition. The veterinary schools that actively participate in the WICHE program are Washington State University, Oregon State University, and Colorado State University.  Students that attend veterinary schools in non-WICHE states will pay out-of-state tuition. Currently, there are 30 US veterinary schools and each has unique admission standards and requirements; therefore students must consult information from each school they are planning to apply for admission. The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) has on-line resources for all of the US veterinary schools and provides information regarding the application process.

 

Pre-Vet Advisor

Dr. Jenee Odani, DVM, DACVP
AgSci 314I
(808) 956-3847
jsodani@hawaii.edu

 

Useful Websites for Students Entering into the University of Hawai'i

All information for students covering how to apply, academic calendar, financial aid, catalog, transfer credit search, new database, on-campus activities, housing (dorms), parking, etc.

MyUH Services is a mobile-optimized, one stop shop for UH business tasks, forms, apps and more. It includes one-click access to services customized for students, faculty and staff across our 10-campus system.

STAR for students is the online degree tracking system for UH. You can view your degree requirements, register for classes, search for scholarships, and view your transcripts through STAR.

Browse this website to view all that CTAHR has to offer for Undergrad and Graduate Programs, financial aid/scholarship information, course requirements and information on who we are, Department, Faculty and Staff as well as publications and research projects.

Use this website to make an appointment with our academic advisors. Advisors can assist you with developing a degree plan and making sure you’re taking the appropriate classes for graduation.                 

This website shows the different programs, courses, scholarships, and resources available within the HNFAS department as well as general information about each.

UH Core requirements and class listings.

This website shows information on how your credits transfer into UH Mānoa.

 

Student Academic Support Services

Access to student academic support services is important to ensure your success while a student at the University of Hawaiʻi. Below is a listing of some of these services that can also be found in the University of Hawaiʻi catalog.

  • The Office of Civic and Community Engagement assists UH Manoa students and community organizations find ways to partner together to tackle important issues in the community by matching students’ passions and interests with the needs of community non-profit organizations through service.
  • First Year Programs and ACE ease the transition of new students into the academic and social communities at UH Manoa. First-Year Programs provide the opportunity to develop personal relationships with faculty and other students, enhance active involvement in the educational process, and build connections to UH Manoa. In addition, First-Year Programs familiarize students with the array of resources and programs available at UH Manoa.
  • Honors Program provides opportunities for talented and motivated undergraduates to excel in their academic studies. Students complete a challenging inquiry-based curriculum that encourages learning through independent research and creative expression. They enjoy intimate and personalized educational experiences within the setting of a large research university through small classes, dedicated advising, peer mentorship, and faculty guided projects.
  • International Student Services has the responsibility for meeting University federal compliance with regard to international students.  ISS strives to support international student success through the following endeavors: 
    • Advising students on immigration regulations that affect their status in the U.S.
    • Providing programs that help promote cross-cultural adjustment
    • Serving as a resource to the campus and international student communities
    • Advocating for international students and international education
  • Kokua Program (Disability Access Services) is UH Mānoa’s primary campus unit responsible for providing disability access services to students with disabilities toward equal opportunity.
  • Learning Assistance Center provides tutoring, workshops, Supplemental Instruction (SI), and one-on-one appointments in which students learn appropriate study strategies and problem solving skills to achieve their academic goals.
  • Mānoa Advising Center is an advising office for exploratory students who have not yet declared a major. MAC assists exploratory students with their major selection process by presenting options and providing general education advising.
  • Mānoa Transfer Coordination Center is to help students transfer smoothly from a UH community college to UH Manoa and provide advising support throughout the transfer process, including the Ka‘ie‘ie Degree Pathway Program.
  • Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center is a walk-in resource for students interested in law, medicine, and other health fields (dentistry, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physician assistant, physical therapy, etc.). PAC advisors help students explore and clarify their career goals, plan appropriate course work, find opportunities to gain experience, apply to professional programs, review personal statements and résumés, provide mock interviews, and hold workshops throughout the year.
  • Student Athlete Academic Services is the academic support program for student-athletes at UH Manoa. Working closely with instructional faculty, coaches, and campus resources, academic advisors assist students in formulating and meeting their academic goals while participating in intercollegiate athletics.
  • Student Success Center in Sinclair Library offers students a welcoming and convivial place to study and to learn, and provides them the information and skills they need to be successful in their academic career and beyond. The center provides seating that facilitates collaborative learning, is open long hours, and permits students to bring their own snacks, all in a space that has natural light and air.

  • Student Support Services is a federally funded TRIO program that provides academic advising and planning, special courses, financial aid advice, graduate and professional school advising, tutoring, mentoring, and academic enrichment activities to program students enrolled at UH Manoa. Students are selected to participate based on a combination of income and financial aid eligibility, parents’ level of education, and potential to benefit from program services.
  • Mānoa Writing Center is a pedagogical space that supports writing and research at UHM. Our primary service is one-to-one writing consultations provided free of charge to all students, faculty, and staff affiliated with the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa. Our writing consultants are trained to help writers working in different disciplines at every stage of the writing process and with various writing projects (i.e., essays, research papers, resumes, letters, creative work).

Do not hesitate to discuss your needs with your academic degree advisor who can help refer you to the appropriate resource

 

Animal Sciences (ANSC) Course Descriptions

Viewable online at the University of Hawaiʻi catalog


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