Self Paced Animal Science Classes

Thank you for your interest in my animal science class sets. I have always loved animals and the world of microbiology. While in high school I worked for a large and small animal veterinarian. In addition, I worked as an amphibian and reptile caretaker at a nature center. I entered UGA as a Pre Vet student. While at UGA I worked on the campus farm and as a teaching assistant. The teaching bug got me, and I quickly moved up to be an Associate Professor of Animal Science, Animal Husbandry Labs, and Animal Genetics. I now teach Animal Science programs for charter/private schools and for my own science company. My family and I run a small farm with goats, chickens, and quail. I also volunteer for the GA Wildlife Network as a licensed wildlife rehabber. 

What types of classes do students need to prepare for Pre Vet studies?

Veterinary Medicine course work will be a combination of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Anatomy, Psychology, Genetics, Nutrition, and Communication. Look over the following UGA link for more details https://ppao.uga.edu/programs/pre-veterinary/credentials/courses/  

I would recommend for my middle schoolers to gain a strong foundation in Life Science. In middle school students normally take a combination class of General Science or individual Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science. The Physical Science course provides the foundation for high school Chemistry. The Life Science course provides the foundation for high school Biology. I would also recommend adding in electives in areas like Genetics, Human Anatomy, or short animal science unit studies. Begin looking into animal care volunteer work in 8th grade. Students can join local 4-H clubs in 4/5th grade so look into what your local cooperative extension office offers for additional animal related clubs and experience. The best way to learn about animals is to care for them yourself, so if possible look into purchasing a few animals in middle school. 

I would recommend for my high schoolers to begin 9th grade with Biology. Biology is the key component of Biological Science coursework in high school and college courses. Most states require 3 to 4 high school core science classes. I would recommend Biology, Anatomy, Chemistry, and Animal Science. Animal Science 101 is one semester, and Animal Science 102 is one semester to add a full year of Animal Science credit. In addition I would add in short Animal Science or Biology unit studies (Biology Petri Dish Study, Artistic Anatomy, Anatomy Paper Models). Have the student begin applying to local veterinarian clinics or farms for more hands-on experience. Look into joining a local 4-H program to gain experience with public speaking, animal shows, and more also.