By Chelsea Hackney, Student Reporter
Students can satisfy their university core science requirements with two new courses next fall: companion animal management and general animal science. Each class is offered through the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Both classes were offered in the past, but this is the first semester they were approved as general sciences. Although the classes are required for majors in the department, they are open to all students.
The decision to accept these courses as general sciences was based on the fact they were accepted at ACU in the past, as well as at other universities, said Dr. Ed Brokaw, Bray Cook Professor of Agriculture and Environment. He said the classes cover a lot of basic science.
General animal science covers topics dealing with the production, care and sale of livestock. It includes a lab where students improve their judging and production skills.
Companion animal management is a class about pets. The course will focus on pet uses for families and individuals and the care of those animals, including nutrition, health and training.
Students taking the course will have opportunities to meet local veterinarians, Animal Control employees, groomers and others in similar professions.
“Students are also encouraged to bring their pets to class,” said Dr. Florah Mhlanga, professor of agricultural and environmental sciences and the instructor of the course.
Mhlanga said she recommended the course to anyone with a love for animals, but majors like psychology and pre-med might find the class especially useful.
“Probably some medical students will end up using pet therapy in their practices,” Mhlanga said. “Knowing about pets becomes very critical, and they may not cover the management of pets in their courses.”
These courses allow students a different way to complete their science requirements and gain some practical knowledge in the process.
“I wish that I could take both of those classes instead of the classes that I took,” said Brent Dill, junior English major from Wellman. “College students especially need to know how to take care of their pets.”
