Agriculture Animal Sciences

Program description

This program provides students with the opportunity to meet the requirements for transfer to the California State University system in Animal Science or a similar major. Animal Science is the study of animals that provide food, fiber, and companionship for mankind. Technological advances in the animal sciences have contributed to a safe, healthy, abundant, and inexpensive food supply. Income from animal agriculture contributes to more than 50 percent of the economic returns of American agriculture to the U.S. economy and, accordingly, career opportunities abound for those trained in animal science. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that more than 48,000 jobs will be created annually for graduates with expertise in agriculture and related industries. Those students interested in teaching at the high school level should know that the nation is experiencing a shortage of well qualified agriculture teachers. Current and prospective community college students interested in this degree are encouraged to meet with a Counselor to develop an educational plan that best meets their goals and needs. This degree is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this degree.

Program learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this degree, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of practical reproductive management of livestock species.
2. Define livestock nutritional needs and demonstrate proper feeding techniques related to growth, development, and finishing of livestock.
3. List common infectious diseases and parasites, and explain the role of preventative health.
4. Explain marketing strategies and market classification of livestock and their products.
5. Identify and implement sustainable livestock management practices that will improve livestock quality, provide efficacious management, protect the natural resources, and ensure economic viability of the livestock industry.
6. Demonstrate a working knowledge of animal production life cycles to develop a ranch management calendar that incorporates scientifically based management decisions and the latest technological advances in livestock husbandry.
7. Name and demonstrate proper use of equipment that humanely confines, treats, and protects livestock.
8. Identify and evaluate livestock anatomy and physiology, and relate form to function.

In addition to the 34-unit general education pattern for Cal-GETC, students must complete the core courses listed below for the Associate in Science in Agriculture Animal Science for Transfer Degree. Students must also obtain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 and a C or better in each major course, or a “P" if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Requirements

Associate in Science in Agriculture Animal Science for Transfer Degree Requirements