Program Overview

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Introduction to Applied Animal Biology

The University of British Columbia offers graduate programs in Applied Animal Biology, leading to a Master of Science (MSc) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. These programs are designed to provide advanced study and research opportunities in animal science, with a focus on animal physiology, behaviour, welfare, and management of livestock, aquaculture, and wildlife species.

Program Overview

The Applied Animal Biology program offers opportunities for advanced study and research on animals, with a combination of coursework in both basic and applied sciences, and research leading to a thesis or dissertation. Students are expected to publish their research results in relevant leading international refereed journals.

Research Areas

The program encompasses various research areas, including:

• Aquaculture: Students can complete a MSc or PhD through the Aquaculture and Climate Change Lab, focusing on fish and other aquatic organisms, environmental impacts, and climate change.
• Animal Reproduction: Students can apply for the MSc and/or PhD in Applied Animal Biology through the Animal Reproduction Laboratory, led by Ronaldo Cerri, focusing on applied and basic aspects of cattle reproduction.
• Animal Welfare Program: Students can complete a MSc or PhD through the UBC Animal Welfare Program, one of the largest and most respected programs in the world in the field of animal welfare science.

Admissions

Applicants to the Applied Animal Biology graduate programs should have an academic background within the minimum academic requirements listed by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. The requirements include:

• Minimum Academic Requirements: Canadian or US Credentials
• Minimum Academic Requirements: International Credentials
• English Proficiency Requirements
• Conditional Admission Program

Master of Science

The MSc program requires:

• Completion of a thesis (12 or 18 credits) plus coursework, for a total of 30 credits.
• With a 12-credit thesis, students can include a maximum of 6 credits of senior undergraduate courses.
• With an 18-credit thesis, students can include a maximum of 3 credits of senior undergraduate courses.
• Additional coursework may be recommended upon consultation with the student’s supervisory committee.

PhD

The PhD program requires:

• Coursework selected in consultation with the student’s supervisory committee.
• Students are required to take a comprehensive examination.
• Completion of a research thesis demonstrating ability to conduct significant and original scientific research.

Coursework

Coursework is selected in consultation with the student’s supervisory committee and includes graduate courses in animal science and from other areas relevant to each student’s research.

Faculty Members

The program is led by a team of experienced faculty members, including:

• Ronaldo Cerri, Professor, Applied Biology
• Andrea Frommel, Assistant Professor, Applied Biology and Chair in Sustainable Aquaculture
• Leluo Guan, Professor, Applied Biology, Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Animal Functional Genomics and Microbiome
• Amelia MacRae, Lecturer, Applied Biology
• Alexandra Protopopova, Associate Professor, Applied Biology (Animal Welfare Program)
• Daniel Weary, Professor, Applied Biology, Associate Dean, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
• Marina von Keyserlingk, Professor, Applied Biology (Animal Welfare Program), Director, UBC Dairy Education and Research Centre

Research Facilities

The program has access to state-of-the-art research facilities, including:

• Dairy Education and Research Centre
• Integrated Climate Change and Aquaculture Lab (ICCAS)

Collaborations

The program collaborates with various agencies and institutions, including:

• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
• Canada Department of Fisheries and Oceans
• Canadian Wildlife Service
• BC SPCA
• Provincial government agencies

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Applied Animal Biology MSc and PhD have developed careers in areas such as:

• Academic positions at universities or colleges
• Research positions at universities and government institutions
• Consultant positions
• Veterinary medicine
• Animal feed manufacturing industry
• Wildlife rehabilitation

Research Updates

The program is involved in various research projects, including:

• Extreme weather impacts on wildlife
• Coexisting with urban wildlife
• Development of data visualization tools for dairy cattle research