Animal Science
Understand the behaviour of bovines. Discover why some cow’s coats are brown. Design greener pastures with computer modelling. Formulate a high-performance animal diet. Learn the biotech of beef. Become a swine connoisseur. These are just a few opportunities available to you when you choose to major in Animal Science at the University of Saskatchewan.
What is Animal Science?
Animal scientists study the feeding, breeding and management of domestic animals, particularly those of agricultural significance. This field of science encompasses subjects ranging from herd genetics and high-performance diets to animal vaccines and environmentally sound animal management, with a focus on transferring this knowledge into practice. More and more, animal science professionals are committed to devising innovative solutions to the challenges posed by a growing world population with changing patterns of diet, a finite amount of farmland and changing climatic conditions.
Areas of emphasis in the U of S Animal Science program include biotechnology, genetics, computer modelling, nutrition, animal behaviour and welfare, sustainable production systems and management, pasture management, and forage production.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my years in Animal Science. The professors and department staff are very approachable and easy to learn from. The focus on animal agriculture production, along with a strong scientific backing, will aid me in being a better rancher and veterinarian. —Matt Kumlin
The U of S Advantage
The U of S provides a learning environment with an innovative, hands-on approach to education, offered in world-class teaching facilities. Students and professors from the department work at the Canadian Light Source using synchrotron radiation to investigate the chemical species of nitrogen and phosphorus present in soils. Others use stable isotopes to examine nutrient cycling in organic farming systems or greenhouse gas emissions. In this unique environment students will learn from distinguished faculty, some of whom are teacher-scholars conducting world-class research and others who are teacher practitioners running their own agribusiness part-time.
The College of Agriculture and Bioresources offers a setting that combines the advantages of a full-scale university with the benefits of a small, specialized program. The small upper-year class sizes and supportive atmosphere allow students to get to know their instructors and fellow students and to build a network of personal and business contacts. Students have numerous opportunities to transfer the theory beyond the classroom; most courses include hands on components such as field trips and class projects that tackle real world issues.
First-year students can choose to sign up for a Learning Community and be pre-registered in three of your classes. Learning Communities are a great way to meet people with similar interests, get advice from student leaders who know the ropes, and make a smoother transition to the University of Saskatchewan.
During their studies, students can take advantage of a number of scholarships and bursaries available exclusively to students in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources. Six $10,000 scholarships are awarded to students entering from high school, and one scholarship of up to $7,500 to a student transferring from another institution. Moreover, there is an additional $44,000 in scholarships awarded as entrance scholarships. More than $300,000 is awarded annually to undergraduate students enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources.
Choose Your Program!
After a first year of general courses, students have the option of specializing in environmental science or soil science. Beginning in their second year, students take a concentration of courses related to their major, plus a variety of required and elective courses. Students can also enhance their studies by participating in study abroad options or by working as summer students in the department.
Students wishing to apply to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine can complete their course prerequisites through the Department of Animal and Poultry Science in two or more years. Due to the heavy courseload of the two-year pre-veterinary medicine program and to the keen competition for entry to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, pre-veterinary students often choose to expand their degree options by combining pre-veterinary medicine courses with general course requirements for the Animal Science program.
Career Opportunities
The rapid expansion of the livestock and animal health industry in Saskatchewan and elsewhere means an increasing need for scientists and professionals who can guide this industry’s development.
Opportunities for Animal Science graduates are wide-ranging. In government positions, graduates can help set government policies or work directly in research. Other employment can be found with feed manufacturers, animal breeding companies, pharmaceutical companies, consulting firms, universities, as well as in primary production or in the growing agricultural biotechnology industry. Some graduates also choose rewarding careers working with developing nations.
Graduates with advanced degrees typically find careers as scientists, professors, specialists or business executives.
A Stepping Stone...
A B.S.A. degree in animal science is an extremely useful and marketable background for studies in other areas such as business, communications, education, journalism, law and politics. Some students study Animal Science in preparation for a career in the veterinary industry.
Graduates from this highly-regarded degree program also have excellent prospects as master’s students at other top universities across North America and throughout the world.
Animal Science is a great discipline - it is multifaceted with a common goal of improving animal production. As such, you have geneticists, nutritionists, physiologists, and behaviourists all working together to improve beef, dairy, sheep, poultry and fish production systems. From a teaching prospective, we are fortunate to have animal facilities (dairy, beef, sheep, poultry and fish) five minutes from the classroom, this means that students gain valuable hands on experience. —Fiona Buchanan
Professor Animal Science
Outstanding Students & Faculty
- Professor Phil Thacker received the Chinese "Friendship Award" to acknowledge his contributions to China's social development and economic, scientific, technological, educational and cultural construction.
- The University of Saskatchewan is excited to welcome Greg Penner back to the school – he obtained his undergraduate BSA degree from the University of Saskatchewan and is now back to teach as an Assistant Professor.
- Professor Sheila Schmutz’s research on dog coat colour was recognized by the University of Saskatchewan when she received the 2005 Outreach and Public Service Award.
- Undergraduate student Matthew Scobie was the International winner of the Alltech Young Animal Scientist Award.
Getting Involved!
One of the best ways to make the most of your college career is to get involved—and the Agriculture Students’ Association (ASA) is just the way to do it! The ASA is one of the most active and spirited student bodies on campus with activities including everything from debates, to speaker nights, professional development days, Telemiracle fundraisers, and social nights with professors.
In addition, option clubs such as the Horticulture, Range Management, and Renewable Resource Management clubs offer students incredible opportunities to share their interests, plan activities beyond the classroom, and have fun!
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
Additional Information
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