This is an exciting time to enter the field of animal science because research on gene regulation and early embryo development has resulted in novel techniques to manipulate and exploit the genomes of domestic animals for both food production and biomedical purposes. Animals also contribute to human health through their role in research as models for humans. In the biotechnology sector, small numbers of valuable animals are used and demand specialized care and management. The biotechnology industry is a steady source of well-remunerated jobs in Massachusetts. The opportunities in these areas are expanding rapidly in the Northeast. Biotechnologists explore and develop new technologies in molecular biology, molecular genetics, embryo manipulation, and cell and tissue culture. Graduates of the Animal Science major with the Biotechnology Concentration are enrolled in or have completed graduate programs (PhD, DVM, MD) or are laboratory research technicians at universities including Harvard, Cornell and UMass, or work in private companies such as Charles Rivers Laboratories, Pfizer, Advanced Cell Technology, Genentech, and others.
For those students who choose to follow a career in biotechnology, we offer a strong, well-structured curriculum that can help make them highly competitive in this market. This concentration will also prepare students for graduate school, if they choose to follow this path.
All animal science majors must satisfy a set of basic science core courses and the animal science core courses. The specific offerings of this concentration commence in the fall semester of the junior year and continue through to graduation.
These specialty courses emphasize research animal management and welfare, as well as laboratory courses in biotechnology, immunology, and microbiology. Students have the opportunity to work in the laboratories of nationally and internationally recognized scientists studying immunology, reproduction and development, genetics and toxicology. The department houses an impressive array of research equipment including histology and sophisticated microscopy facilities, molecular biology labs for identifying and quantifying animal and human gene expression, sterile tissue culture facilities and micro-injection facilities and a bio-safety level three containment facility. Research in departmental laboratories is targeted to lab animal models including rodents and frogs. Students also participate in research at our farms with our goats, sheep, poultry, cattle, and horses.
Biotechnology Concentration Course Checklist
Suggested Sequence of Classes
First year - Fall
- ANIMLSCI 101 - Intro to Animal Science with lab, 4
- BIOLOGY 151 - Intro Biology I, 4
- MATH 104 - Pre-Calculus, 3
- General Education Class AI/AT/SB/HS/I +DG or DU, 4
- FYFS Freshmen Seminar or Residential Academic Program (RAP), 1
- Credits 16
First year - Spring
- ANIMLSCI 103 - Intro to Animal Management with lab, 4
- BIOLOGY 152/153 - Intro Biology II and Lab, 5
- CHEM 111 - General Chemistry I, 4
- ENGLWRIT 112 - College Writing, 3
- MATH 127- Calculus (Prereq for Vet School), 3
- Credits 16/19
Sophomore year - Fall
- ANIMLSCI 220 - Anatomy & Physiology with lab, 4
- ANIMLSCI 260 - Animal Welfare with discussion, 4
- CHEM 112 - General Chemistry II, 4
- STATISTC 111 or STATISTC 240 or RESECON 212 - Statistics OR General Education Class, 3/4
- Credits 15/16
Sophomore year - Spring
- ANIMLSCI 285 - Cellular & Molecular Biology, 3
- CHEM 250 or CHEM 261 - Organic Chemistry, 3
- General Education Class, 4
- STATISTC 111 or STATISTC 240 or RESECON 212 - Statistics OR General Education Class, 3/4
- ANIMLSCI 392A - Careers Seminar, 1
- Credits 14/15
Junior year - Fall
- ANIMLSCI 311 - Genetics, 3
- ANIMLSCI 365 - Fundamentals in Vet. and Biomedical Lab Techniques, 3
- ANIMLSCI 455 - Research Animal Management I, 4
- ANIMLSCI 333 - Equine, Cattle & Companion Animal Nutrition, 3
- ANIMLSCI 391C, 391M - Biotechnology Research II or ANIMLSCI 386 Veterinary Oncology (The *91 courses are biotechnology research and are arranged with individual faculty to conduct research. Students can make arrangements with any lab on campus, students complete Biotechnology Research Contract with faculty. Faculty must submit contract for registration.)
- Credits 15/17
Junior year - Spring
- MICROBIOLOGY 310 - General Microbiology, 3
- NATSCI 387 - CNS Junior Writing or Elective or General Education Class, 3/4
- ANIMLSCI 421 - Wildlife Reproduction or ANIMLSCI 521 - Physiology of Reproduction, 3/4
- ANIMLSCI 456 - Research Animal Management II, 4
- ANIMLSCI 391C, 391M - Biotechnology Research II, 3 (The *91 courses are biotechnology research and are arranged with individual faculty to conduct research. Students can make arrangements with any lab on campus, students complete Biotechnology Research Contract with faculty. Faculty must submit contract for registration.)
- Credits 15/18
Senior year - Fall
- ANIMLSCI 494EI - IE: One Health, 3 or ANIMLSCI 494GI - IE- Good Intentions, 3 (spring semester)
- ANIMLSCI 472 - Infection & Immunity or ANIMLSCI 572 - Molecular Immunology (spring semester), 3
- ANIMLSCI 491C or 491M - Biotechnology Research III, 3 (The *91 courses are biotechnology research and are arranged with individual faculty to conduct research. Students can make arrangements with any lab on campus, students complete Biotechnology Research Contract with faculty. Faculty must submit contract for registration.)
- ANIMLSCI 366 - Veterinary Microbiology, 2 (fall or spring)
- BIOCHEM 320 - Biochemistry, 3
- Credits 15/16
Senior year - Spring
- ANIMLSCI 494GI - IE- Good Intentions, 3 or ANIMLSCI 494EI - IE: One Health, 3 (fall semester)
- ANIMLSCI 572 - Molecular Immunology or ANIMLSCI 472 - Infection & Immunity (fall semester), 3
- ANIMLSCI 385 - Biotechnology Laboratory, 3 or ANIMLSCI 487 - Fundamental Vertebrate Embryology, 3
- ANIMLSCI 366 - Veterinary Microbiology, 2 (fall or spring)
- Elective, 3 or Gen Ed, 4
- Credits - 14/15