HNFAS Academic Programs

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. 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 salesmanships. Other skills of critical importance are computer proficiency, written and oral communication, problem solving, and ability to build effective interpersonal relationships.

Interest in nutrition, food, and the relationship of food to human health and fitness has never been greater than today. Students majoring in any of the curricula options are prepared for diverse careers in the food industry, health-care and fitness facilities, hospitals, nutrition education and communication enterprises, extension education in nutrition, government or private-sector food and nutrition agencies, science related research laboratories, and science education.

The curricula in Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN) have a strong science base that is applied to food and human nutrition. Students learn problem-solving skills, approaches to critical thinking and basic principles in two related disciplines. Options in the curricula include dietetics, human nutrition, and science education. The dietetic option has been approved by the American Dietetic Association (Plan V). The human nutrition option can be directed toward nutrition education, sports nutrition, or other interests. The human nutrition option can serve as a pre-professional program in medicine, dentistry, nutrition, or other scientific graduate programs.

Students are strongly encouraged to take chemistry and biological sciences courses prior to entering the program. Transfer students in FSHN are required to have a GPA of 2.8 or greater and to have taken FSHN 185 with a “B” or better and CHEM 161/161L with a “C” or better.

Upon entering either program, Animal Sciences (ANSC) or Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN), students will be assisted by academic advisers to identify their career objectives and select an appropriate option for study.

Advising

All FSHN and ANSC majors are required to report for advising prior to registration each semester.

Courses