TheEdisonAcademy

Animal Science Course Info

Animal Science Level I - Course #8310
Times Available: 7:25-9:00, 9:30-11:00

Animal Science Level II - Course #8311
Times Available: 11:15-1:30(12:43 for Edison students)

Animal Science Course Description

Animal Science is a two-year block program that prepares students for a future in veterinary science. The first year focuses on basic animal care, breeds, and behavior. Level 2 students take an in-depth look into the anatomy and physiology of animals, which includes a comparative dissection at the end of the year. All animal science students are involved in the student-run grooming business, which gives them essential hands-on experience and helps support the program. In addition, students participate in an internship program during the 4th quarter with partner organizations.

Animal Science Class Pictures

An Alum in the Spotlight - Michelle Aguilar

Michelle Aguilar, graduate from the Edison Academy Animal Science speaks out about Animal Science

"My participation in the Animal Science Program at Edison Academy has been a major influence on my past, present, and future career aspirations. The Animal Science Program gave me two gifts that have led me to where I am today: an entry level job at a veterinary clinic and the inspiration to become a veterinarian which led me to Virginia Tech. At Virginia Tech, I received my Bachelor's of Science in both Animal and Poultry Sciences and Dairy Science. The decision to pursue higher education at Virginia Tech beyond the four year program guided me from my preliminary career goal of veterinarian to my true passion for research and the study of dairy nutrition. I am currently in my second year in the Master's degree program.

My first "official" lab experience was as an undergraduate program assistant for the Virginia Tech PREP and IMSD Graduate Program. The director of the program is also the primary investigator of a comparative genomics laboratory who gave me chores of refilling pipette tips, autoclaving glassware, and preparing buffer solutions when there was no other work for the program that needed to be done. This first opportunity to work with graduate students and perform tasks in a laboratory helped me realize that research was a possible career path to pursue. With the support and help of the PREP and IMSD program director I found a professor who allowed me to explore my interest in, and curiosity for, research in their laboratory.

The primary investigator of an anatomical pathobiology laboratory offered me a position as a lab assistant with the goal of helping me learn lab techniques and methods needed for a career in research. It was in this lab that I truly learned what research required and how it could be the ultimate reward for an individual. The time I spent as a lab assistant taught me to be meticulous, persistent, forgiving, nonjudgmental, and most of all patient. It was during this time that I realized that I was passionate about research and that it had captivated my academic interest.

Nearing the end of my collegiate career I have stumbled upon a goal for my future profession as a dairy nutritionist. Dr. Mark Hanigan, a guest lecturer, and Dairy Nutritionist, who spoke in my final animal nutrition class of the spring semester revealed this profession to me, which I had never known existed. Since my "enlightenment" I have pursued every opportunity to work in the field of dairy nutrition research. I have been given the privilege to conduct two research trials, one during my undergraduate career and the other during my graduate studies. My current plan of study is to complete my master's degree in the spring of 2012 and to begin a doctorate program in dairy nutrition in the fall of 2012."