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Course Descriptions

Introduction to Animal Systems

Grades 9-12, 1 Credit

Students develop competencies in each of the major areas of the Animal Systems career pathway including animal nutrition,
reproduction, breeding, care, and management. Students learn agricultural mechanics applicable to animal systems. As
with all agriculture courses, students will be exposed to principles of leadership and opportunities within student
organizations along with Supervised Agricultural Experience opportunities.

Equine Science

Grades 9-12, 1 Credit

In this course, students learn how to care for and manage horses. The major instructional areas include equine health,
nutrition, management, reproduction, training, evaluation, and showmanship. Additional instruction in tools, equipment,
equine facilities management, business management of equine enterprises, and the economics of boarding, training, and
merchandising horses is included. Participation in FFA activities, leadership development events (LDEs), and career
development events (CDEs) is encouraged.

Small Animal Care I

Grades 9-12, 1 Credit

Students learn how to care for and manage small animals, focusing on instructional areas in animal health, nutrition,
management, reproduction, and evaluation. Course content also includes instruction in the tools, equipment, and facilities
for small animal care, and provides activities to foster leadership development. FFA and SAE activities are encouraged.

Veterinary Science I

Grades 10-12, 1 Credit Prerequisite: Introduction to Animal Systems or Small Animal Care

Veterinary Science I prepares students for postsecondary education and/or careers in veterinary medicine or related fields.
Students develop their skills in anatomy, nutrition, medical terminology, sanitation, clinical exams, and handling animals.
Live animal handling may occur. Course content also includes facility maintenance, and office functions, as well as safety
practices. The National FFA Organization, Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), or related student organization activities
are encouraged.

Veterinary Science II

Grades 11-12, 1 Credit Prerequisite: Veterinary Science I

Students expand their knowledge of animal science and the care of animals, including animal structure and function,
microbes and disease prevention, parasitology, and genetics and breeding. Students develop more advanced skills and
techniques for assisting the veterinarian/technician in the following areas: handling large animals and exotic animals,
applying aseptic techniques, performing first aid and surgery, performing technical functions, administering medication,
handling death and dying, working with wildlife, and performing office functions. On-the-job clinical instruction coordinated
by the Agricultural Education teacher may be included in veterinary offices or animal clinics.

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