Horace E. and Elizabeth Alpin Professor: R. M. Akers
David R. and Margaret Lincicome Professor: F. C. Gwazdauskas
Professors: M. A. Barnes; B. G. Cassell; I. Hoeschele; R. E. James; G. M. Jones; M. L. McGilliard; R. L. Nebel; S. C. Nickerson; R. E. Pearson; C. E. Polan; C. C. Stallings
Associate Professor: J. H. Herbein, Jr.
Assistant Professor: K.F. Knowlton
Lecturer: D.R. Winston
Research Associate: C. N. Miller
Career Advisor: M. A. Barnes
Professor Emeritus: R. G. Saacke; J. M. White
The purpose of the dairy science program is to offer students the opportunity to prepare themselves for a wide variety of careers by developing both their technical and interpersonal skills. Key factors in achieving this purpose are a challenging yet flexible curriculum that can be individualized to meet the educational needs and interests of each student, counseling to assist each student in designing individual programs, and extracurricular activities to enhance development of interpersonal skills.
Students may select from three curricula: production business management; science/biotechnology/pre-veterinary; and dual major. All options provide students with the opportunity to acquire a broad education in the sciences, social sciences, economics, mathematics, and communications while learning the basic principles of dairy science.
This is the most flexible curriculum, with at least 30 credits of electives. Suited to students with an interest in various fields of dairy production (herd manager, farm manager), allied agri-business industries (feed, artificial insemination, equipment), agricultural communications, public relations, extension, breed fieldperson, and a variety of other positions. Graduates in this option have also gone on to careers in college instruction, elementary school instruction, bank investment management, feed sales, and milk marketing, to name a few.
This option is recommended for students who plan to continue into graduate or professional school or who plan a career in quality control, laboratory work, or research and product development. It provides an excellent base in chemistry, mathematics, physics, biology and biochemistry for advanced study in many areas.
This option is recommended for students who plan to concentrate in more than one academic area as they prepare for future careers. A few of the popular minors and double majors that students may earn while completing their Dairy Science degree requirements include: Agricultural Economics, Animal and Poultry Sciences, Biology, Computer Sciences, and Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences.
Dairy science students may elect to dual major or minor in animal science, agricultural economics, or any of many other departments. Students are also encouraged to actively participate in extracurricular clubs and judging teams.
Active participation in research projects in lactation, genetics, nutrition, reproduction, and management provide qualified students valuable research experience with departmental scientists as well as part-time employment opportunities. These opportunities are available to students in all options and enhance their preparation for advanced study and provide a better understanding of the research process.
The dairy science honors program offers outstanding students the opportunity to enrich and broaden their academic programs. Honors students work closely with individual faculty members in choosing honors classes, colloquia, independent study, and research projects. Graduation "in honors" requires successful completion of university honors requirements, a comprehensive oral examination, and an honors thesis.
Graduate programs of study leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. also are offered (see Graduate Catalog).
All curricula for the various options contain a core of courses to assist students in developing knowledge and ability in natural sciences (biology and chemistry), computational skills (math and computer science), writing and communication (English, communications, and seminars), as well as animal physiology and production, nutrition and genetics, farm finance, food science and dairy sciences. A list of courses specified for each option may be obtained upon request from the department. In the following listing, semester hour credits are shown at the right.
| Dairy Science Major | credits |
|---|---|
| DASC 2474/Dairy Science & Industry | 2 |
| DASC 2484/Dairy Cattle Evaluation | *3 |
| DASC 3274/Applied Dairy Nutrition | *3 |
| DASC 4475-56/Dairy Enterprise Mgt. | *6 |
| DASC 4174/Applied Dairy Genetics | *3 |
| DASC 4304/Applied Reproduction | *2 |
| DASC 4074/Senior Seminar | 3 |
| DASC 4374/Physiology of Lactation | 3 |
| ALS 2304/Animal Phys. & Anatomy | 4 |
| ALS 3104/Animal Genetics** | 4 |
| ALS 3204/Animal Nutrition** | 4 |
| ALS 4304/Phys. of Reproduction** | 4 |
| FST 3104/Dairy Processing | 3 |
| Total: | 44 |
* Must complete two of these for the Biotechnology/Pre-vet Option.
** Must complete two of these for Dual Option or Dairy Enterprise Management Option.
| Math & Natural Sciences | |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | 6-8 |
| Mathematics | 6 |
| Biology | 8 |
| Microbology | 4 |
| Total Credits: | 24-26 |
| Social Sciences & Humanities | |
| Agric. Econ. or Economics | 6 |
| English | 6 |
| Humanities, Global, Aesthetics or U.S. History core | 10 |
| Total Credits: | 22 |
| Elective credits (minimum): | 28-30 |
| Total credits for graduation: | 120 |
The department offers a minor in DASC. Requirements include DASC 2474 (2 cr.), DASC 3274 (3 cr.), DASC 4374 (3 cr.), and DASC 4475 or DASC 4476 (3 cr.). Three additional credits in DASC electives are also required.
After completion of 72 semester credits (including transfer, advanced placement, advanced standing and credit by examination, "satisfactory progress" will include the following:
ALS 1004: AGRICULTURE, THE ARTS & SOCIETY
Introduction to the relationships among agriculture, society, and the arts, all of which are integral components of civilization. Pass/Fail only. (1H,1C) I, II.
ALS 1504: INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURE & LIFE SCIENCES
Concepts and issues important for early orientation of all students considering a career in agriculture and life sciences, and a review of state, national, and international agricultural issues will be covered in relation to majors in the College. (1H,1C) I.
ALS 1514: MICROCOMPUTERS IN AGRICULTURE
Microcomputer course designed primarily for agriculture students. Emphasis is put on learning the basic skills needed to solve agricultural problems with a microcomputer. Topics include: hardware, electronic spreadsheets, word processors, data base management systems, computer graphics, and communications. (1H,3L,2C) I,II.
DASC 1574: INTRODUCTION TO DAIRY SCIENCE
The scope of the dairy science undergraduate program is presented. Preparation for careers in dairy production and related industries. May be taken only by new freshmen and transfer students. Pass/Fail only. (1H,1C) I.
ALS 2304: ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY & ANATOMY
Anatomy and physiology of domestic animals including cell, neural, musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary, and endocrine systems. Pre: BIOL 1106. (3H,3L,4C) I,II.
ALS 2404 (BIOL 2404): BIOTECHNOLOGY IN A GLOBAL SOCIETY
Introduction to the world-wide impact of biotechnology and molecular biology, including applications to plants, animals, and microorganisms. Explores basic concepts of genetic engineering, scientific and ethical issues, and public concerns related to biotechnology. Topics include: environmental release of genetically engineering organisms, bioremediation, safety of genetically engineered food products, transgenic plants and animals, gene therapy, and genetic screening. Pre: BIOL 1005, BIOL 1006 or BIOL 1105, BIOL 1106, CHEM 1015, CHEM 1016. (3H,3C) II.
DASC 2474: DAIRY SCIENCE & INDUSTRY
Science, technology, and business associated with production, processing, and marketing of milk and milk products. Biology of dairy cattle with emphasis on genetics, reproduction, lactation, and nutrition. Management of dairy herds. (2H,2C) II.
DASC 2484: DAIRY CATTLE EVALUATION
Development, function, and use of computerized performance testing programs for dairy cattle improvement. Critical appraisal of dairy cattle conformation and experience in competitive judging; oral justification; organization and conduct of shows and contests; preparation for show and sale. (1H,6L,3C) II.
DASC 2964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.
ALS 2964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.
DASC 2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
ALS 2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
DASC 2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
ALS 2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
ALS 3104: ANIMAL BREEDING & GENETICS
Principles of genetics related to improvement of domestic farm animals. Molecular, cellular and physiological genetics, estimation of breeding values, selection, heritabilities, genetic correlations, relationships, in-breeding, heterosis, genetic abnormalities. Pre: BIOL 1106, MATH 1015. (4H,4C) I.
ALS 3204: ANIMAL NUTRITION & FEEDING
Characteristics, sources, digestion, absorption, and metabolism of water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Feedstuffs, diet formulation, and feeding systems for livestock and poultry. Pre: 2304, CHEM 1016 or CHEM 1036. (4H,4C) I,II.
DASC 3274: APPLIED DAIRY CATTLE NUTRITION
Application of basic principles of nutrition in developing rations for dairy herds. Emphasis is placed on appropriate use of forages, ration formulation techniques, development of profitable rations, and ration delivery. Pre: ALS 3204. (3H,3C) I.
ALS 3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.
DASC 4074: DAIRY SCIENCE SEMINAR
This is a capstone course addressing issues of importance in the dairy industry and society in general. The course will emphasize the use of writing to promote critical thinking, evaluation and problem solving, and developing and presenting persuasive arguments. Instruction will be provided on selecting, securing, and succeeding in careers (career choices, resumes, application letters, interviewing, etc.) (3H,3C). I.
DASC 4174: APPLIED DAIRY CATTLE GENETICS
Application of genetic principles to dairy cattle improvement. Setting goals for genetic improvement, characteristics of traits included in selection, current methods of estimating breeding values, the role of artificial insemination and breed associations in genetic improvement, cattle genetics. Pre: ALS 3104. (2H,3L,3C) II.
DASC 4304: PRINCIPLES & PRACTICES OF BOVINE REPRODUCTION
Principles and techniques in reproductive physiology and herd management related to health, record keeping, estrus detection and synchronization, and ultrasonography. Ovarian function and superovulation, semen handling, artificial insemination and pregnancy detection are also considered. Pre: ALS 4304. (1H,3L,2C) I.
ALS 4304: PHYSIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
Physiological mechanisms that control and affect reproductive processes in domestic animals, birds, humans, and selected other species. Pre: 2304. (3H,3L,4C) I,II.
DASC 4374: PHYSIOLOGY OF LACTATION
Anatomy of the mammary gland and physiology of lactation in domestic and laboratory mammals with emphasis on dairy cattle. Mammary gland health and factors affecting lactation. Principles and techniques in dairy herd milking management. Pre: ALS 2304. (2H,3L,3C) II.
DASC 4475-4476: DAIRY ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT
Decision strategies for modern dairy businesses. 4475: Emphasis on relationships of enterprises and techniques for evaluation of business alternatives, efficiency of production, and profit. Use of microcomputer software to support management decisions. 4476: Concentration on herd replacements, personnel, facilities and issues of management associated with rapidly changing national and international markets, environmental regulations, and computer applications. Group projects and hands-on management of university dairy herd. Pre: AAEC 3404, 2474. 4475: (3H,3C) 4476: (2H,3L,3C)
ALS 4554 (BIOL 4554): NEUROCHEMICAL REGULATION
Neurochemical transmission within the vertebrate brain will be examined. Emphasis will be placed on the chemical coding underlying the control of various behaviors and how these systems can be modified by various drugs or diet. Pre: 2304 or BIOL 3404, CHEM 2535. (3H,3C) II.
ALS 4574 (BIOL 4574): SOCIAL BEHAVIOR OF BIRDS & MAMMALS
Animal behavior from the viewpoint of group organization during the life cycle of the organism. Emphasis is on adaptive mechanisms as they relate to the behavior-physiology-genetic interaction. Pre: BIOL 1106. (2H,2C) I.
DASC 4964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.
ALS 4964: FIELD STUDY/PRACTICUM
Variable credit course.
DASC 4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
ALS 4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
DASC 4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
ALS 4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
DASC 4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
ALS 4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
Please see the Graduate Catalog for graduate course listings.
Virginia Tech -- Undergraduate Catalog, 2002-2004
Last update: August 2002
URL: http://www.vt.edu/academics/ugcat/ucdDaSc.html