This course covers the major biological disciplines and how the science of each of these contributes to the whole of Animal Science. Appropriate feed, housing and care for animals are discussed, as well as disease prevention. Emphasis is placed on the companion animal species, but primarily agricultural species and their care will also be explored. The course also discusses the industries that have arisen as animals' roles in society have changed, and the economic impact of these businesses.

Concepts of the relationship of animals and man throughout history will be explored, especially contemporary changes in those relationships, including industrial agriculture, companion animals, and concepts of animal welfare versus animal rights.

This course will explore the historical development and contemporary issues involving the concepts of animal welfare and animal rights, and how human and animal interactions have evolved over time. The different global perspectives on appropriate animal care and use will be explored. Issues of animal neglect and abuse will be discussed, as well as the link between domestic violence and animal abuse. A service project chosen by the class will be implemented.

This course will discuss techniques used to prevent and control animal and zoonotic diseases, particularly in populations of animals housed together. Though all domestic animals will be addressed, the course will emphasize control and prevention techniques in companion animals. Hygiene, vaccination protocols, medications, and management will be explored.

Laws are constantly changing on both the state and local levels pertaining to animal cruelty. Actions that were previously considered non-offenses are now being prosecuted on misdemeanor and felony levels. Because of this evolution to convictions and heavier sentencing, there is a significantly higher expectation that those working in animal specific fields have knowledge and training in animal forensic science. This course is designed as an introduction to the fundamentals of forensics in relation to animals in preparation for these elevated expectations.

There has been an increase in the identification of a number of complex issues associated with the development and recognition of the human-animal bond. With these changes, there is a recognition that ethics, culture, values, and economics greatly impact and influence that dynamic. Animals and public policy is a course designed to analyze and evaluate how those influences and trends are shaping the treatment of animals in public policy and practice, and how these policies can be developed to utilize research findings as evidence to support them.

This course explores the scientific behavioral basis of animal training, and offers a comparison of various training techniques. Students will also explore the various modalities of rehabilitation for companion animals, particularly those involved in sporting activities.

This course is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge as well as practical application of animal assisted therapeutic interventions as they are utilized with a variety of vulnerable populations and settings. Students will be introduced to standards for practice, practice methods, and research conducted to study the impact of animal assisted therapy on vulnerable populations. Skills for intervention design, implementation and assessment of efficacy will be developed and practiced in this course.

Students will find and complete a 4-hour internship in a professional environment involving human-animal interactions. Students will report to a site supervisor and be overseen by a faculty member from Aurora University. It is expected that students will be exposed to animal management and handling, observing human and animal interactions, and furthering their career goals. Students are expected to present themselves as professionals and further the reputation of Aurora University and the Human Animal Studies program.