Animal Biotechnology and Conservation

Faculty:

Reginald Hoyt, Co-Chairperson

Kimberly Kovath, Co-Chairperson

Gary M. Fortier

April Laskow

Margaret Liguori

Alicia Shenko

Jennifer Shelly

The Department of Animal Biotechnology and Conservation emphasizes the management, conservation, and humane care of animals. Students may major in Small Animal Science, Conservation and Wildlife Management, or Zoo Science.

The Conservation and Wildlife Management major emphasizes the conservation of animals in their native habitat, with particular emphasis on both game and non-game animals and species that are threatened or endangered. Students in the conservation program will find themselves well prepared for a career in wildlife biology, conservation, game management or graduate school.

The Small Animal Science major prepares students for admission into veterinary school, graduate school, or employment in the biomedical and animal health professions. Courses focusing on animal behavior and enrichment of various species may be taken as an area of concentration in this major. Emphasis is placed on alternatives to whole animal research, including the use of cell culture techniques. The implementation of cutting-edge technologies keeps graduates of our program in demand with both graduate schools and employers.

The Zoo Science major also focuses on zoo and aquarium management, and captive wildlife conservation. The major combines classroom instruction with hands-on internships and laboratories. The Zoo Science major covers all aspects of zoo science and conservation, including husbandry, handling, care, nutrition, disease, behavior, training, and management. It includes a one year, part-time internship at a zoo or aquarium, divided between animal husbandry and public education. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to internships. The Zoo Science major is open to full-time non-transfer freshmen only.

Animal laboratories are taught at the Small Animal Science Center. It is a federally licensed, environmentally-controlled instructional laboratory. The animal quarters house a wide variety of species including mice, chickens, ferrets, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, amphibians, reptiles, and fish. Additional facilities on campus house a natural history museum collection. Laboratories also support cell tissue culture, histology, and biotechnology.

The success of our majors can be attributed to several factors such as a hands-on approach to learning and our ongoing investment in technology. The advantages of a degree in Animal Biotechnology and Conservation from Delaware Valley College allow our students to excel both academically and professionally. Our graduates find employment in a variety of fields, including the pet trades, health science and biomedical research, state and federal government agencies, zoos, aquariums, wildlife conservation non-profit organizations, wildlife consulting firms, and related industries.

The total number of credits required for graduation with a degree in Animal Biotechnology and Conservation vary with the major: 124 credits for Conservation and Wildlife Management, 122 credits for Small Animal Science, and 123 credits for Zoo Science. These totals include 5 credits for completion of the Experience360 Program. The course sequences suggested in this catalog are models. Courses shown may not be available during the semester they are listed in the sequencing.

The Experience360 Program (E360) at Delaware Valley University is a graduation requirement for all full-time undergraduate students. Students can choose from multiple Experience360 activities and will earn 5 credits for the E360 depending on their major’s program requirements.

Minimum requirements:

• Full-time undergraduate students must complete a minimum of two E360 activities.

• Students must have completed 27 credits to enroll in E360 Activities.

• All students must complete an introductory course prior to enrolling in any Experience360 Activities.

Students must consult with their Department Chair for specific major requirements to complete the Experience360 Program.

Minors

The curriculum for a Minor in the Department of Animal Biotechnology and Conservation must be arranged in advance with the permission of the Department Chairperson.

Animal Biotechnology and Conservation

Programs