Biology: Animal Sciences

The Animal Sciences concentration is within the biology major and includes the prerequisite  work required for most four-year veterinary schools.

The Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology prepares students to become licensed veterinary technologists. Students interested in applying to veterinary medical school will need to take additional natural sciences courses.

The Bachelor of Science in Biology, Animal Sciences Concentration includes more upper level biology courses than the Veterinary Technology program as well as some veterinary technology courses.

No. Because of the rigor of the program a combination of General Education courses and major-level courses is recommended. Students should contact a PACT Mentor as early as possible to plan their course of study.

Full-time students can complete the 120-credit degree program in four years.

Yes. You can take as little as one course per semester. The program is designed to be flexible enough to accommodate working adults and many students attend part-time. Day, night and weekend classes are available.

Yes, faculty are always ready to help students with questions about what courses to take, the sequencing of courses, and career opportunities, including internships and cooperative education.

Yes. The program will prepare you for both Master's and Doctorate level work. Additional courses in mathematics or physics may be required.

Because the curriculum is rigorous, the program is designed for people who can work across disciplines, among them Biology, Chemistry and the Biomedical Sciences.

General Education Requirements*: 60 Credits 
Major Concentration Core Courses: 60 Credits 
Total: 120 Credits

Students who choose the major concentration in Biology Animal Sciences Track must complete all the required general education and required major courses as listed below. General Education courses are indicated with *, **, or *** and explained below.

Notes:

If students qualify for MATH 201 as their Math requirement under general education, they must complete 3 credits of major electives, to be chosen with program director.

If students are required to take MATH 116 to meet the general education math requirement, MATH 201 will count towards major requirements.
To complete the major concentration, corequisite lab courses must be taken.
There is a 15-credit residency requirement in the major concentration of Biology that must be completed with courses numbered BIOL 230 and above. CHEM 354 may also be used to meet this requirement.

For a full curriculum listing visit our catalog.

Innovative curriculum that engages students in authentic classroom based research experiences and project-based learning.

Students engage in research with faculty in the areas of:

• Neuroscience - Mechanisms of neuroprotection from oxidative stress
• Genetics – Mechanisms of telomere regulation
• Cell and Molecular Biology - Regulation of the assembly of synaptic contacts
• Developmental Biology - Regulation of neural crest cell migration during development
• Computational Biochemistry - Development of fluorescent nucleic acid bases

Newly renovated teaching and research labs, including a dedicated cell culture facility and green house.

State-of-the-art equipment, including: DNA sequencer, HPLC machine, real-time PCR machine, in vivo microinjection and electroporation instruments, and fluorescence microscopes.

• Complete an internship with a research lab
• Enrichment programs through STEM
• Wide-range of courses and topics
• Prepares graduates to work or continue studying in many different fields

• Master the requisite core concepts and competencies necessary for biological literacy and practice.
• Be proficient and ethical in standard laboratory or field research including: use of standard instrumentation, performing routine calculations, maintaining laboratory notebooks, and interpreting experimental results.
• Access and understand the scientific literature, prepare and deliver clear and cogent presentations of experimental results, and obtain proficiency in scientific writing.
• Understand the impact of science on society and its application to community, global service, and sustainability.

Step Up to STEM

Each summer, faculty and students come together at Mercy College to work on authentic research projects in the Summer Research academy. This program is for STEM Scholars at WCC but is also open to Mercy students who are interested in gaining research experience. Summer research has many benefits for students: gaining hands on experience in STEM fields will aid in success in graduate school and other career pathways.  Go to our STEM Scholars page to learn more.

Download a copy of the sequence map for:

• 2022-2023 B.S. Biology Animal Science Track

Archive:

• 2021-2022 B.S. Biology Animal Science Track
• 2020 - 2021 B.S. Biology Animal Science Track