A new program at the University of Saskatchewan’s agriculture college will broaden its students’ career opportunities and possibly increase enrolment, says the head of the college’s animal and poultry science department.
In addition to its bachelor of animal science degree, the college will offer a degree in animal bioscience for undergraduate students beginning in the fall of 2013.
“This is a program that might be of greater interest to urban students who may not be as interested in food animal production, at least initially, as some of our rural students,” said Andrew Van Kessell.
Read Also
VIDEO: British company Antler Bio brings epigenetics to dairy farms
British company Antler Bio is bringing epigenetics to dairy farms using blood tests help tie how management is meeting the genetic potential of the animals.
Thirty to 35 students graduate annually from the animal science program, with 150 students enrolled in the four-year program at any one time.
“So we’re looking for new students and we’re also expecting some students that have passed through the BSA, animal science program might switch to this new program because it more suits their original interests,” he said.
The new program, like the animal science program, requires students to complete pre-veterinary requirements in their first two years.
Van Kessell said the undergraduate program will focus on animal-environment interactions and companion animal care and nutrition in its third and fourth years, preparing students for careers in the companion animal, biomedical and regulatory industries.
That could see graduates employed by SPCAs or working in pharmaceutical sales and research or government agencies.
“It’s responding to what we believe is student demand for such a program,” said Van Kessel.
