Major map:
Animal Bioscience
Bachelor of Science in Animal Bioscience [B.Sc.(An.Biosc.)]
Learn how to get the most out of your degree and prepare for your future career.
Animal bioscience is the study of animal metabolism, genetics, physiology, nutrition, behaviour, care, health and the social and environmental impact of domestic animals.
Not a USask student?
Learn more about studying animal bioscience at USask and apply for admission.
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
AGRC 110.3 | Scientific Literacy and Communication for the Agricultural Sciences
AGRC 111.3 | Introduction to Plant and Soil Sciences
AGRC 113.3 | Introduction to Agri Food Economics
ANBI 110.3 | Introductory Animal Bioscience
BIOL 120.3 | The Nature of Life
BIOL 224.3 | Animal Body Systems
CHEM 112.3 | General Chemistry I Structure Bonding and Properties of Materials
CHEM 115.3 | General Chemistry II Chemical Processes
You choose
- AREC 220.3, History of Indigenous Agriculture in Canada, OR INDG 107.3 Introduction to Canadian Indigenous Studies*
- MATH 104.3 Elementary Calculus, OR MATH 110.3 Calculus I, OR MATH 125.3 Mathematics for the Life Sciences
- From a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements
*Students planning to apply for admission to the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) should take INDG 107.3 to fulfill the 3 credits Indigenous Studies requirement (AREC 220.3 will not be sufficient)
Academic tips
- Explore information about your program in the course and program catalogue
- Meet with an AgBio Student Services academic advisor for help choosing your courses and planning your degree
- Visit the student Learning Hub for help developing your academic skills
- Visit AgBio Student Services to find out about unique supports for AgBio students
- Apply for scholarships and bursaries
- Declare your major before the end of your first year by contacting agbio.studentservices@usask.ca
What will I learn?
- Gain experience working directly with animals
- Learn about animal metabolism, animal genetics, animal physiology, animal nutrition, animal behaviour, animal care, animal health, and the social and environmental impacts of animals
- A broad background in domestic animal biology
- Learn about issues related to animal production as well as domestic animals
- Gain knowledge that prepares you to work in fields outside of traditional animal agriculture including biomedical sciences, the care of companion (including equine) and research animals, animal health and diseases, and environmental sciences
Gain relevant experience
- Consider volunteering at the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC)
- Consider volunteering with the Applied Animal Management Volunteer Program by contacting the Poultry Research and Teaching Unit Facility Manager
- Familiarize yourself with study abroad programs to make informed decisions in your later years of study
- Explore undergraduate research opportunities
- Consider enrolling in an experiential learning course
Create local and global connections
- Sign up for an AgBio Learning Community
- Visit the USask Community Centre to make connections and build community
- Get involved in your campus community through student groups, campus rec, and USask events
- Before you register in your first-year courses, sign up to be a part of a Learning Community
- Get to know your faculty and their research interests
- Join the Pre-Vet Club if you're considering applying to Veterinary Medicine
- Consider joining the ANBI Club or another AgBio Student Club
Get career ready
- Meet with a career educator at Career Services to explore your career possibilities
- Take a career assessment to learn more about your strengths, personality, interests, and values
- Create your résumé and cover letter to take advantage of part-time and summer job opportunities
- Develop your LinkedIn profile to begin building your professional brand
Featured courses
- ANBI 320.3 Equine Science
- ANBI 360.3 Canine and Feline Science
- ANBI 375.3 Animals and the Environment
- ANBI 411.3 Behaviour and Welfare of Domestic Animals
- ANBI 492.3 Literature Thesis in Animal Bioscience
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
ANSC 212.3 | Livestock and Poultry Production
ANSC 313.3 | Animal Breeding and Genetics
BMSC 200.3 | Biomolecules
BMSC 230.3 | Metabolism
CHEM 250.3 | Introduction to Organic Chemistry
PLSC 214.3 | Statistical Methods
You choose
- One course (3 c.u.) from the English Language Writing requirement
- ANBI 320.3 Equine Science OR ANBI 360.3 Canine and Feline Science
- FABS 212.3 Agrifood and Resources Microbiology OR BMSC 210.3 Microbiology
- From a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements
Academic tips
- Check DegreeWorks and meet with an academic advisor to ensure your degree is on track
- Apply for scholarships and bursaries
Add to your major
Choose from a variety of options to complement your major.
- Precision Agriculture (certificate)
- Professional Communication (certificate)
- Sustainability (certificate)
Gain relevant experience
- Consider volunteering at the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC)
- Consider volunteering with the Applied Animal Management Volunteer Program by contacting the Poultry Research and Teaching Unit Facility Manager
- Explore study abroad options or gain support as an international student through the International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC)
- Become a peer mentor through the, University Library, or Peer Health
- Sign up for a Student Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
- Get involved in research by applying for a research assistantship
- Consider running for a leadership position with an AgBio Student Club or the USask Students’ Union (USSU)
Create local and global connections
- Engage with your community through volunteering and Co-Curricular Record activities
- Meet with new people and grow your cultural understanding through Building Bridges and Global Connections
- Get to know your faculty and their research interests
- Consider joining the ANBI Club or another AgBio Student Club
- Join the Pre-Vet Club if you're considering applying to Veterinary Medicine
Get career ready
- Conduct occupational research through Job Bank and LinkedIn
- Discover job opportunities, explore career options, and meet professionals at Career Services events and career fairs
- Explore experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant experience and skills
- Expand your professional network on LinkedIn
- Get a better understanding of your career possibilities through career informational interviews
- Attend Careers Day in September to connect with Ag/Bio employers
USask Student Competencies
USask Student Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and attributes developed and leveraged to achieve success in your learning and work:
- Engaging in our intercultural society
- Nurturing successful relationships
- Leveraging technology
- Adaptive design and problem solving
- Communicating meaningfully
- Cultivating well-being
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
ANBI 375.3 | Animals and the Environment
ANBI 411.3 | Behaviour and Welfare of Domestic Animals
ANBI 470.3 | Applied Animal Biotechnology
ANSC 315.3 | Animal and Poultry Nutrition
VBMS 324.3 | Animal Physiology I
VBMS 325.3 | Animal Physiology II
You choose
- ANBI 420.3 Comparative Animal Endocrinology OR ANBI 471.3 Animal Microbiomes and Health
- ANBI 492.3 Literature Thesis in Animal Bioscience OR ANBI 494.6 Research Thesis in Animal Bioscience (3 credit units count as restricted elective)
- ANSC 440.3 Poultry Production OR ANSC 485.3 Swine Production and Management
- VLAC 411.3 Diseases of Ruminants OR VTPA 412.3 Diseases of Poultry
- One course (3 c.u.) from either ANSC 355.3 Sheep and Goat Management, OR ANSC 410.3 Cow Calf Management, OR ANSC 430.3 Intensive Management of Beef Cattle, OR ANSC 460.3 Intensive Management of Dairy Cattle
- From a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements
Academic tips
- Check DegreeWorks and meet with an academic faculty advisor to ensure your degree is on track
- Apply for scholarships and bursaries
Consider applying to a graduate program
- Animal and Poultry Science (M.Sc., Ph.D.)
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences (M.Sc., Ph.D.)
- Small Animal Clinical Sciences (M.Sc., Ph.D.)
- Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)
Gain relevant experience
- Consider volunteering at the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC)
- Consider volunteering with the Applied Animal Management Volunteer Program by contacting the Poultry Research and Teaching Unit Facility Manager
- Consider running for a leadership position with the Agricultural Student's Association (ASA) or the USask Students' Union (USSU)
Create local and global connections
- Join the USask Alumni and Friends community
- Get to know your faculty and their research interests
- Consider joining the ANBI Club or another AgBio Student Club
- Join the Pre-Vet Club if you're considering applying to Veterinary Medicine
Get career ready
- Update your résumé, cover letter or CV to apply for jobs
- Book a Mock Interview appointment with Career Services to prepare for your interview
- Explore experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant experience and skills
- If you are new to Canada, take time to learn about how to search for a job in Canada
- Attend Careers Day in September to connect with Ag/Bio employers
USask Student Competencies
USask Student Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and attributes developed and leveraged to achieve success in your learning and work:
- Engaging in our intercultural society
- Nurturing successful relationships
- Leveraging technology
- Adaptive design and problem solving
- Communicating meaningfully
- Cultivating well-being
Possible destinations
People with an animal bioscience degree take their knowledge and skills into many different industries and occupations. Some of the career paths listed here require further education and training.
Career paths
- Animal Behavior and Welfare Researcher
- Animal Care Technician
- Animal Nutrition (Consultant, Manager, Extension Specialist)
- College Instructor
- Dairy Nutrition Associate
- Environmental Consultant
- Food Safety and Quality Assurance Supervisor
- Feed Scientist or Formulator
- Feed Sales Representative
- Feedlot or Hatchery Manager
- Laboratory Technician
- Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist
- Livestock Producer (Beef, Dairy, Swine, Poultry)
- Marketing Associate
- Marketing Board Employee
- Meat Inspector
- Pet Food Manufacturing
- Program Coordinator (agriculture education or outreach)
- Quality Management Coordinator
- Research Assistant
- Regulatory Affairs
- Ruminant or Monogastric Nutritionist
- Veterinarian
I found that throughout my Animal Bioscience degree, I was fortunate to have many opportunities for hands-on learning and practical experience. From labs spent in research barns on campus, to field trips, or summer research, each experience allowed me to explore my interests and deepen my knowledge of the concepts I was learning in class. I was able to discover my passions and become aware of the many career paths that existed for my post-grad.
—Margaret, Bachelor of Science in Animal Bioscience '24
Where do USask alumni work?
- AcuFast
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
- Alberta Agriculture
- Alberta Milk
- Beef Cattle Research Council
- Blue Rock Animal Nutrition
- Bullseye Feeds
- Canadian Cattle Association
- Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
- Charles River Laboratories
- Chicken Farmers of Saskatchewan
- Ducks Unlimited
- Federated Cooperatives Limited
- Hill’s Pet Nutrition
- Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiative
- Lakeland College
- Maple Leaf Foods
- Manitoba Agriculture
- Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives
- Maple Leaf Foods
- Masterfeeds
- O & T Farms
- Olds College
- Olymel
- Prairie Swine Centre
- Proveta Nutrition
- Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
- SaskMilk
- SaskSPCA
- Saskatchewan Watershed Authority
- Trouw Nutrition
- University of Saskatchewan
- VCA Canada Animal Hospitals
- Telus Agriculture
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO)
Explore Canadian salaries for various occupations using the Job Bank Career Planning Tool
"Throughout my Aninal Bioscience degree, I was given opportunities to work with animals, learn in classes, and speak about my research. My major was designed to encourage participation and hands-on learning, and the more I dove into that philosophy, the more I have learned. The network I built while at USask has kept me connected as I entered the workforce. There are dozens of people I can reach out to because of my degree, and these are connections that will last a lifetime."
—Casey, Bachelor of Science in Animal Bioscience '24
"As an undergraduate student, I chose Animal Bioscience as my major as it combined my passion for animals with my interest in the study of metabolism, physiology, and nutrition. My Animal Bioscience degree not only provided me with technical knowledge in animal science, but also transferable skills in communication and critical thinking that have been valuable through my post-graduate education and careers in research extension and ruminant nutrition."
—Jordan, Bachelor of Science in Animal Biocience '17
"I originally chose Animal Bioscience because it had all the required courses for applying into veterinary medicine. I later had a change of heart and didn't continue on that pathway but still found the courseload applicable to my future career as a research technician. My work is constantly changing and new obstacles are thrown at me nearly everyday, all of which I know I can handle simply because my education helped prepare me for a rapidly changing field."
—Julie, Bachelor of Science in Animal Bioscience '23