AN 110 - Introduction to Animal Science and Business Communications

3 Credits
Outline Effective Date: Academic Year 2025/2026
Revised Date: Sep 3, 2025
Date Approved: Sep 3, 2025

Lecture Hours: 42 Lab Hours: 14

Course Description:
This course is designed to introduce Animal Science Technology students to the field of Animal Science by exploring specific disciplines and career paths. The course includes explanation of major livestock marketing systems such as supply management and vertical integration and discusses Canada’s role in the global livestock market. A brief overview of several livestock species is also provided to give students a broad education in the scope of the livestock industry in Canada. There is also a written and oral communication component for this course. Assignments focus on agricultural topics, employment issues, and interview skills.

Rationale:
This is a required course for first year Animal Science Technology diploma all streams, the Livestock stream Post-Bachelor in Commercial Agriculture Production and for General Agriculture – Animal Science stream students.

It is critical for students in Animal Science Technology to understand how to effectively build a career in the animal sciences. As this is a very broad field, it is the responsibility of the student to network with industry and identify the areas of study in which they can be effective and employable. This requires an overview of the many options available for the students in order to guide them in their chosen career path as well as a basic background in the common livestock production systems in Canada. It is also important for students to have strong written and oral communication skills. Proficiency in writing and oral communication is developed in a number of contexts specific to each program.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None

Course Learning Outcomes:
A student who successfully completes the course will have reliably demonstrated the ability to

1.describe the job market in Animal Science and develop a strategy for directing their education toward a satisfying career.

2.explain the value of animal products in providing for the world’s food supply.

3.compare and contrast the livestock industries of developed and developing countries.

4.describe ‘Supply Management’ and ‘Vertical Integration’ and explain their significance in specific livestock industries worldwide.

5.provide an overview of several livestock production systems within Canada including the beef, dairy, swine, poultry, sheep/goats, equine, bison and other diversified livestock.

6.demonstrate both written and oral communication skills through the application of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills while using integrity.

7.prepare and deliver effective oral presentations.

8.demonstrate practical skills in critical thinking and critical writing.

Required Resource Materials:
None

Optional Resource Materials:
None

Conduct of Course:
The course consists of 42 hours of lecture periods and 14 lab hours.

Classroom and laboratory attendance is considered vital to the learning process and as significant to the students’ evaluation as examinations and reports.

Students having a combination of excused and/or unexcused absence of 20 percent or higher for the scheduled course hours will be required to withdraw and will automatically receive a “RW” (required withdrawal) for the course, regardless of any other evaluation results. (RW is a failing grade.).
An excused absence is one that is verified with your instructor. Verification should be prior to the absence or the next class day following the absence. Verification of the absence may take the form of a note from your doctor/College nurse regarding illness, or a note from another instructor regarding a field trip or other activity, or authorization by your instructor. An unexcused absence is anything NOT verified by the instructor prior to the absence or the next class day following the absence.

NOTE: Any exceptions to the above attendance policy (e.g. timetable conflicts, work-related issues) must be approved in writing by the Department Chair prior to the beginning of the course.

It is the students’ responsibility to know their own absentee record.

Normal hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with potential for evening courses, exams or extended field trips. Students are expected to be available for classes during these times.

Content of Course:
Unit 1: Career Prep and Careers in Animal Science

Unit 2: The Value of Animal Products

Unit 3: Global Livestock Production

Unit 4: The Animal Industries

Poultry
Swine
Dairy
Beef
Sheep/Goat
Equine
Bison
Other Diversified Livestock

Lab: Oral and Written Communication
Course Assessments:

Quizzes and Assignments	50%
Midterm Exam	15%
Final Exam	20%
Livestock Operation Analysis Project	15%
Total	100%

Official final grades will be available on My Lakeland. Grades posted in D2L should be considered interim grades.
“Lakeland College is committed to the highest academic standards. Students are expected to be familiar with Lakeland College policies and to abide by these policies. Violations of these policies are considered to be serious and may result in suspension or expulsion from the College.”

Course Pass Requirements:
A minimum grade of D (50%) (1.00) is required to pass this course.

Letter	F	D	D+	C-	C	C+	B-	B	B+	A-	A	A+
Percent Range	0-49	50-52	53-56	57-59	60-64	65-69	70-74	75-79	80-84	85-89	90-94	95-100
Points	0.00	1.00	1.30	1.70	2.00	2.30	2.70	3.00	3.30	3.70	4.00	4.00

Students must maintain a cumulative grade of C (GPA - Grade Point Average of 2.00) in order to qualify to graduate.

Every effort has been made to ensure that information in this course outline is accurate at the time of publication. Lakeland College reserves the right to change courses if it becomes necessary so that course content remains relevant.

In such cases, the instructor will give students clear and timely notice of changes.

No part of this course outline may be reproduced in any form or resold without written permission from Lakeland College.

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