Poultry and Avian Science
The Poultry and Avian Science (P A S) minor is designed for students who wish to supplement their academic major with studies focused on the biology and management of avian species, with an emphasis on domestic fowl.
In recognition of the diverse career opportunities in the modern poultry and game bird industries, the minor is designed to also accommodate students with primary interests in agribusiness management, food science, and wildlife science.
Requirements
Students are required to complete a minimum of 19 credits, at least 9 of which must be at the 400 level. A grade of C or better must be obtained in each course in order to complete the minor. The three prescribed courses provide a foundation of knowledge pertaining to both avian sciences and the commercial poultry industry, while additional courses selected by the student will allow for further specialization in the foundation animal science disciplines, agribusiness management, food science, and wildlife and fisheries science.
In addition, credits from poultry or avian internship experiences and/or independent study projects may also be applied towards meeting the requirements of the minor. The University's Poultry Education and Research Center is used extensively for supplementing classroom work with hands-on laboratories. The flexibility of the minor permits program planning commensurate with an individual's interests and professional goals, and should enhance the student's ability to compete for related positions in industry, government, or academia (graduate or professional school).
Prescribed Courses
- AN SC 211 (3) Introduction to Avian Biology
- AN SC 311 (4) Poultry Production and Management
- AN SC 425 (3) Principles of Avian Diseases
Additional Courses
Students must select 3 credits from the following:
- AG BM 302 (3) Food Product Marketing
- AG BM 338 (3) Agribusiness in the Global Economy
- AN SC 207 (2) Animal Products Technology
- AN SC 208 (1) Animal Products Technology Laboratory
- AN SC 300 (3) Integrated Animal Biology
- AN SC 301 (3) Principles of Animal Nutrition
- AN SC 322 (3) Principles of Animal Breeding
- AN SC 395 (up to 3) Animal Sciences Internship*
- W F S 300 (2) The Vertebrates
- W F S 301 (2) Vertebrate Laboratory
Students must select 6 credits from the following:
- AG BM 407 (3) Farm Planning and Financial Management
- AG BM 408 (3) Financial Decision Making for Agribusiness
- AG BM 420 (3) Agribusiness Markets and Prices
- AG BM 460 (3) Managing the Food System
- AN SC 418 (3) Nutrient Management in Agricultural Systems
- AN SC 420 (4) Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology
- AN SC 421 (2) Poultry Evaluation and Selection
- AN SC 423 (3) Comparative Physiology of Domestic Animals
- AN SC 496 (up to 3) Independent Studies*
- FD SC 408 (2) Applied Food Microbiology
- FD SC 409W (3) Laboratory in Applied Food Microbiology
- FD SC 411 (2) Managing Food Quality
- FD SC 415 (3) Science and Techology of Muscle Foods
- VB SC 420 (3) General Animal Pathology
- W F S 406 (1) Ornithology Laboratory
- W F S 407 (3) Ornithology
- W F S 447W (3) Wildlife Management
*AN SC 395 and AN SC 496 must have a poultry or avian biology emphasis.
Procedures for Enrollment
Students may apply for admission to the Poultry and Avian Science minor by submitting a completed Entrance to Minor Application Form to Dr. Robert G. Elkin , professor and head, Department of Poultry Science, 213 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802; phone: 814-865-3411. Approval by the student's major program adviser is also required.
Visit the Poultry Science Web site
