ADDITION OF NEW UPPER LEVEL EQUINE SCIENCE COURSES

Summary

New courses have been proposed and added to the Animal Science curriculum to allow students opportunities to explore advanced scientific topics pertinent to the equine industry. The equine curriculum has been retailored to meet the changing interests of students and industry demands and concerns. Increased student enrollment and interest in these courses, as well as new software being incorporated, has allowed for greater learning opportunities for students.

Situation

The UGA Animal and Dairy Science Department has an Equine Science Management option within the degree program. Previously, many equine courses within the department have focused on preparing students for managerial or horse handling jobs. However, current student populations from urban backgrounds do not have the interest or skills to realistically move into these types of positions following graduation. Additionally, many higher paying jobs that equine science graduates may strive for would involve customer care or sales positions in science based fields, such as nutrition or pharmaceuticals. This, coupled with the fact that a majority of Animal Science students have pre-veterinary intentions, has shown the need to incorporate more upper level science classes into the equine science curriculum.

Response

A new course, Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Horse (ADSC 4230(L)/6230(L)), was approved and taught for the first time in the spring of 2013. In the fall, the course Equine Nutrition and Exercise Physiology was divided into two classes: Equine Nutrition (ADSC 4390(L)/6390(L)) and Equine Exercise Physiology (ADSC 4430/ADSC 6330). These classes have allowed for new upper level science classes for undergraduates, as well as giving graduate students more options of courses they may incorporate into their degree program.

Impact

ADSC 4230(L)/6230(L) was filled past capacity in the spring and had to be moved to a larger classroom, with students still being wait listed. Over 40 students were enrolled in the spring. ADSC 4390(L)/6390(L) was inadvertently scheduled at a time with many conflicts this fall, however still had 11 students enrolled. ADSC 4430/6430, also taught in the fall of 2013, had 28 students enrolled. Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Horse has incorporated a much needed focus on skeletal and muscular anatomy critical for pre-veterinary students as well as those interested in the pharmaceutical industries. Separation of Equine Nutrition and Equine Exercise Physiology into two courses has allowed for much more in depth focus in these two fields. Since the nutrition industry is a large potential job market for Animal Science graduates, allowing for an entire semester of focused nutritional study greatly enhances opportunities for job related education. The creation of the new course, Equine Exercise Physiology, has filled a need for many students interested in gaining exposure to physiology topics prior to veterinary school or employment in a science driven career. All three of these classes involve hands on laboratory opportunities for students that incorporate cutting edge technology in the area of equine biomechanics, as well as fundamental lab training in the areas of nutrition, anatomy, and physiology.

Details

• Year: 2013
• Geographic Scope: College
• County: Clarke
• Program Areas:
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources