Students majoring in Life Sciences will take 42 credits of core courses in fundamental biological sciences (animal, plant, microbiology, cell, and molecular) and 24 credits of courses in a specialization of your choice.听Those interested in animal sciences should explore the suggested specializations below.
This specialization will focuses on the basic biology of large mammals and birds including animal physiology and function, reproduction and nutrition, immunology, genetics and biotechnology and its uses with animals. There is a strong 鈥榟ands-on鈥� component to many courses, coupled with the close proximity of the Macdonald Campus Farm as well as the Integrated Facility for Research on Large Animals.
Animal Biology Major (B.Sc.(Ag.Env.Sc.)) (24 credits)
Offered by: Animal Science听(Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)
Program credit weight: 24
Program Description
The specialization in Animal Biology is intended for students who wish to further their studies in the basic biology of large mammals and birds. Successful completion of the program should enable students to qualify for application to most veterinary colleges in North America, to study in a variety of postgraduate biology programs, and to work in many laboratory settings.
For information on academic advising, see:
Required Courses (15 credits)
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| ANSC 312 | Animal Health and Disease. | 3 |
Animal Health and Disease. Terms offered: Winter 2026 An introduction to the pathogenesis and control of diseases in farm animals. Immune response and other protective mechanisms. Implications of animal diseases and drug therapy for product safety and public health. |
| ANSC 323 | Mammalian Physiology. | 3 |
Mammalian Physiology. Terms offered: Fall 2025 A study of the organization, functions and regulation of various organ systems in mammals. The nervous, endocrine, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, digestive and reproductive systems are discussed. |
| ANSC 324 | Developmental Biology and Reproduction. | 3 |
Developmental Biology and Reproduction. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Focus on the hormonal, cellular and molecular aspects of reproduction and development (gametogenesis, folliculogenesis, fertilization, embryonic and foetal
development, parturition, lactation period, periods before and after puberty). Emphasis on underlying cellular mechanisms and their regulation by hormones
and the environment. |
| ANSC 420 | Animal Biotechnology. | 3 |
Animal Biotechnology. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Applications of animal biotechnology in agriculture, biomedicine and environmental
preservation, including culture, manipulation and transformation of somatic cells, isolation of stem cells, reproductive biotechnologies, animal cloning by nuclear transplantation, production of genetically modified and gene-edited animals,
and cell and gene therapies. |
| PARA 438 | Immunology. | 3 |
Immunology. Terms offered: Fall 2025 An in-depth analysis of the principles of cellular and molecular immunology. The emphasis of the course is on host defence against infection and on diseases caused by abnormal immune responses. |
Complementary Courses (9 credits)
9 credits selected from:
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| ANSC 234 | Biochemistry 2. | 3 |
Biochemistry 2. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Metabolism in humans and domestic animals. The chemistry of alimentary digestion, absorption, transport, intermediary metabolism and excretion. |
| ANSC 251 | Comparative Anatomy. | 3 |
Comparative Anatomy. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Study of the macroscopic anatomy of mammals based on detailed dissection of the dog. Comparison with other domestic species will be emphasized. |
| ANSC 326 | Fundamentals of Population Genetics. | 3 |
Fundamentals of Population Genetics. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Population genetics mechanisms in mammals, birds and plant. Factors influencing gene, genotype, and phenotypic frequencies. Effects of different types of selection, Hardy-Weinberg, linkage and recombination, polymorphisms and heterozygosity, population size, random drift and inbreeding on gene and genotype frequencies. Relationship between quantitative genetic parameters and gene frequencies. |
| ANSC 400 | Eukaryotic Cells and Viruses. | 3 |
Eukaryotic Cells and Viruses. Terms offered: Winter 2026 The basic principles of molecular biology and the underlying molecular basis for various methodologies in molecular biology are covered. The molecular genetic basis for viral infections and tumorigenesis will be covered as examples of the use of molecular genetic approaches to address biological problems. |
| ANSC 424 | Metabolic Endocrinology. | 3 |
Metabolic Endocrinology. Terms offered: Winter 2026 A detailed study of the endocrine system and its role in the maintenance of homeostasis in higher vertebrates, including the endocrine regulation of energy balance. |
| ANSC 433 | Animal Nutrition and Metabolism. | 3 |
Animal Nutrition and Metabolism. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Introduction to fundamental aspects of animal nutrition, including gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology; nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism; nutrient functions and requirements of livestock species; evaluation of feedstuffs and their use in ration formulation; and feeding strategies. Laboratory classes will include hands-on experience on feed analyses, gastrointestinal tract dissections, nutritional experiments and demonstrations in livestock species as well as computer-based ration balancing exercises. |
| ANSC 555 | The Use and Welfare of Animals. | 3 |
The Use and Welfare of Animals. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Understanding the roles in which animals are used by Society, especially in food production, companionship, research, and recreation; application of the scientific approaches that are used in assessing and improving animal welfare; and use of ethical approaches that are invoked in the use of animals, often in controversial contexts. An interdisciplinary course, based on active participation and discussion-method learning. |
| ANSC 560 | Biology of Lactation. | 3 |
Biology of Lactation. Terms offered: Fall 2025 An interdisciplinary approach to the study of mammary development, the onset of lactation and its cessation, comparing the differences in mammalian species in mammary development from embryological, pre- and post-pubertal and pre- and post-partum aspects. Lactation at the cellular and biochemical levels. |
| LSCI 451 | Research Project 1. | 3 |
Research Project 1. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 A research project on a topic relevant to the life sciences. This course is intended for senior (U3) undergraduates. |
For more information,听contact Professor Jennifer Ronholm, Specialization Coordinator, Animal Biology
This specialization is structured around courses within the biological and health sciences that gives students a background in basic sciences like genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry.
Although 涩里番 does not currently offer a Veterinary Medicine program, this specialization prepares students for a career in animal health sciences, or for further studies at the graduate level in the life sciences, various health fields or animal sciences. Learn more about our pathways to veterinary medicine and other animal health careers.
Animal Health and Disease Major (B.Sc.(Ag.Env.Sc.)) (24 credits)
Offered by: Animal Science听(Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)
Program credit weight: 24
Program Description
This specialization is offered for students wishing to understand general animal physiology and function; the susceptibility of animals to various diseases; methods for limiting and controlling potential outbreaks; and the resulting implications for the animal, the consumer and the environment. It is an ideal choice for students interested in the care of animals, or in working in laboratories where diseases are being researched.
For information on academic advising, see:
Required Courses (18 credits)
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| ANSC 312 | Animal Health and Disease. | 3 |
Animal Health and Disease. Terms offered: Winter 2026 An introduction to the pathogenesis and control of diseases in farm animals. Immune response and other protective mechanisms. Implications of animal diseases and drug therapy for product safety and public health. |
| ANSC 323 | Mammalian Physiology. | 3 |
Mammalian Physiology. Terms offered: Fall 2025 A study of the organization, functions and regulation of various organ systems in mammals. The nervous, endocrine, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, digestive and reproductive systems are discussed. |
| ANSC 350 | Food-Borne Pathogens. | 3 |
Food-Borne Pathogens. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Exploration of the taxonomy, characteristics, epidemiology, mechanisms of pathogenicity, disease, incidence, and factors affecting the survival and growth of pathogenic microorganisms in foods of animal origin; principles of detection, prevention and control of food-borne pathogens (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, helminths, viruses). |
| ANSC 424 | Metabolic Endocrinology. | 3 |
Metabolic Endocrinology. Terms offered: Winter 2026 A detailed study of the endocrine system and its role in the maintenance of homeostasis in higher vertebrates, including the endocrine regulation of energy balance. |
| MICR 341 | Mechanisms of Pathogenicity. | 3 |
Mechanisms of Pathogenicity. Terms offered: Fall 2025 A study of the means by which bacteria cause disease in animals and humans. Includes response of host to invading bacteria, bacterial attachment and penetration processes, and modes of actions of exotoxins and endotoxins. |
| PARA 424 | Fundamental Parasitology. | 3 |
Fundamental Parasitology. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Systematics, morphology, biology and ecology of parasitic protozoa, flatworms, roundworms and arthropods with emphasis on economically and medically important species. |
Complementary Courses (6 credits)
6 credits of complementary courses selected from:
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| ANSC 234 | Biochemistry 2. | 3 |
Biochemistry 2. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Metabolism in humans and domestic animals. The chemistry of alimentary digestion, absorption, transport, intermediary metabolism and excretion. |
| ANSC 251 | Comparative Anatomy. | 3 |
Comparative Anatomy. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Study of the macroscopic anatomy of mammals based on detailed dissection of the dog. Comparison with other domestic species will be emphasized. |
| ANSC 303 | Farm Animal Internship | 3 |
Farm Animal Internship Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Internship in farm animal production, including day-to-day activities of production, reproduction and health management, and exposure to major livestock species such as dairy cows, poultry, swine. The internship includes supervised- independent farm management activities and training by experienced livestock technicians. |
| ANSC 324 | Developmental Biology and Reproduction. | 3 |
Developmental Biology and Reproduction. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Focus on the hormonal, cellular and molecular aspects of reproduction and development (gametogenesis, folliculogenesis, fertilization, embryonic and foetal
development, parturition, lactation period, periods before and after puberty). Emphasis on underlying cellular mechanisms and their regulation by hormones
and the environment. |
| ANSC 433 | Animal Nutrition and Metabolism. | 3 |
Animal Nutrition and Metabolism. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Introduction to fundamental aspects of animal nutrition, including gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology; nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism; nutrient functions and requirements of livestock species; evaluation of feedstuffs and their use in ration formulation; and feeding strategies. Laboratory classes will include hands-on experience on feed analyses, gastrointestinal tract dissections, nutritional experiments and demonstrations in livestock species as well as computer-based ration balancing exercises. |
| ANSC 555 | The Use and Welfare of Animals. | 3 |
The Use and Welfare of Animals. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Understanding the roles in which animals are used by Society, especially in food production, companionship, research, and recreation; application of the scientific approaches that are used in assessing and improving animal welfare; and use of ethical approaches that are invoked in the use of animals, often in controversial contexts. An interdisciplinary course, based on active participation and discussion-method learning. |
For more information, contact Professor Vilceu Bordignon, Specialization Coordinator, Animal Health and Disease
Students specializing in Wildlife Biology learn about the biology, ecology, and behaviour of vertebrate animals, especially mammals, birds and fish species. This specialization focuses on the management and conservation of wildlife species and their habitats as well as on the most recent techniques and findings in wildlife research, and how they have and can be applied to wildlife conservation. Students get hands-on experiences in a field setting, studying wildlife in their natural environments.
Wildlife Biology Major (B.Sc.(Ag.Env.Sc.)) (24 credits)
Offered by: Natural Resource Sciences听(Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)
Degree: Bachelor of Science (Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)
Program credit weight: 24
Program Description
This specialization focuses on the ecology of vertebrate animals, their biological and physical environment, and the interactions that are important in the management of ecological communities and wildlife species. Students have access to local wildlife resources including the Avian Science and Conservation Centre, the 涩里番 Arboretum, the Stonycroft Wildlife Area, the Molson Reserve, and the Ecomuseum.
For information on academic advising, see:
Required Courses (15 credits)
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| ENVB 529 | GIS for Natural Resource Management. | 3 |
GIS for Natural Resource Management. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis techniques to the presentation and analysis of ecological information, including sources and capture of spatial data; characterizing, transforming, displaying spatial data; and spatial analysis to solve resource management problems. |
| WILD 307 | Natural History of Vertebrates. | 3 |
Natural History of Vertebrates. Terms offered: Fall 2025 The diversity and natural history of Canadian vertebrates illustrated with trophic, phylogenetic, and macroecological approaches. |
| WILD 350 | Mammalogy. | 3 |
Mammalogy. Terms offered: Winter 2026 This course focuses on the evolution, classification, ecology and behaviour of mammals and relations between humans and mammals. Also structure, systematics and identification of local and world mammals, as well as field methods will be emphasized. |
| WILD 401 | Fisheries and Wildlife Management. | 3 |
Fisheries and Wildlife Management. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Principles of fisheries and wildlife management are considered and current practices of research and management are discussed. |
| WILD 420 | Ornithology. | 3 |
Ornithology. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Taxonomic relationships and evolution of birds. Examination of the physiology, migration, identification and ecological processes of North American birds.
|
Complementary Courses (9 credits)
9 credits from the following:
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| BIOL 307 | Behavioural Ecology. | 3 |
Behavioural Ecology. Terms offered: How an organism鈥檚 behaviour relates to its physical, biological, and social environment, using evolutionary and ecological perspectives. Emphasis is on general principles, covering topics such feeding, predator avoidance, aggression, reproduction, social behaviour, communication and cognition. |
| BIOL 427 | Herpetology. | 3 |
Herpetology. Terms offered: Principles of biology as exemplified by amphibians and reptiles. Topics include: adaptation, social behaviour, reproductive strategies, physiology, biomechanics, ecology, biogeography and evolution. Laboratories will emphasize structure, systematics and identification of local and world herpetofauna as well as field methods. |
| ENVB 437 | Assessing Environmental Impact. | 3 |
Assessing Environmental Impact. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Principles and practice of Environmental Assessment (EA) in Canada and internationally. Exploration of issues surrounding impact assessment for sustainable development in different sectors, including their limitations. |
| ENVB 506 | Quantitative Methods: Ecology. | 3 |
Quantitative Methods: Ecology. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Introduction to a broad range of innovative data analysis strategies commonly applied to ecological data. How to apply these strategies. Common 鈥渂est practices鈥� for data management, study design, and graphing techniques. |
| PARA 424 | Fundamental Parasitology. | 3 |
Fundamental Parasitology. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Systematics, morphology, biology and ecology of parasitic protozoa, flatworms, roundworms and arthropods with emphasis on economically and medically important species. |
| PLNT 358 | Flowering Plant Diversity. | 3 |
Flowering Plant Diversity. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Principles of classification and identification of flowering plants and ferns, with emphasis on 35 major families of flowering plants and the habitats in which they grow. |
| WILD 302 | Fish Ecology. | 3 |
Fish Ecology. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Introduction to the biology and ecology of freshwater and marine fishes. Topics include taxonomy, physiology, biogeography, competition, predation, fishing, and conservation. Lab exercises and field trips emphasize familiarity with local fishes and their ecological interactions. |
| WILD 421 | Wildlife Conservation. | 3 |
Wildlife Conservation. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Study of current controversial issues focusing on wildlife conservation. Topics include: animal rights, exotic species, ecotourism, urban wildlife, multi-use of national parks, harvesting of wildlife, biological controls, and endangered species. |
| WILD 475 | Desert Ecology. | 3 |
Desert Ecology. Terms offered: A three week field course exploring relationships between climate, geology, landforms, biodiversity, biotic adaptations and ecosystem conditions in the arid regions of Arizona and southern California. Focus is on the Sonoran and Mojave deserts but includes the transitions to adjacent grassland and forest biomes of the Sky Islands and Colorado Plateau. Exploration of issues arising from human use of land and water, and conservation in arid environments. Experiential learning involving team and individual projects and assignments before and during the field trip. |
For more information, contact Professor Denis Roy, Specialization Coordinator, Wildlife Biology
Program Director, Life Sciences - Prof. Jennifer Ronholm
Undergraduate Student Program Advisor, Julie Major
Pathways to Veterinary School and other animal health careers
