COURSES OFFERED
The Department of Poultry Science



A major in poultry science is designed to provide the scientific and technical education to prepare students for positions of leadership and responsibility in the expanding fields of production, processing, marketing, and distribution of meat, eggs, and related poultry products. The curriculum also prepares students for career opportunities in specialized areas of nutrition, breeding, genetics, physiology, management, food science, immunology, and disease.

Elective hours allow students to select a minor and thus personalize their degree. Elective hours can also be used to emphasize areas of business, production, processing or science. Pre-veterinary medicine, pre-medical, or pre-pharmacy requirements may be fulfilled while meeting degree requirements. 

Requirements for a Major in Poultry Science (POSC)
(See Catalog of Studies for University and for B.S.A. requirements)

English/Communications (15 hours)

English University Core Courses (6 hours)

ENGL 2003 Advanced Composition or Exemption Elective or ENGL 2013 (see Catalog of Studies for exemption information)

COMM 1313 Fundamentals of Communication

Communication Intensive Elective from an approved course list. (See adviser)

Mathematics University Core Course and Departmental Requirements (6-7 hours)

University Core MATH 1203 College Algebra or, if exempt from MATH 1203, take a higher MATH course

AGEC 2403 Quantitative Tools for Agribusiness or STAT 2303 Principles of Statistics or AGST 4023 Principles of Experimentation

Science University Core Courses and Departmental Requirements (17-24 hours)

University Core BIOL 1543/1541LPrinciples of Biology and lab

BIOL 2013/2011LGeneral Microbiology and lab

University Core CHEM 1074/1071L Fundamentals of Chemistry and lab or CHEM 1103/1101L University Chemistry I and laband CHEM 1123/1121L University Chemistry II and lab

CHEM 2613/2611L Organic Physiological Chemistry and lab or CHEM 3603/3601L Organic Chemistry and lab and CHEM 3613/CHEM 3611LOrganic Chemistry II and lab

Fine Arts/Humanities (6 hours)

Select in two categories from “State Minimum Fine Arts, Humanities Core” (sections a, b, c or d; see Catalog of Studies)

US History University Core Course (3 hours)

Social Sciences University Core Courses (9 hours)

AGEC 1103 Principles of Agricultural Microeconomics

Select 6 hours from other listed fields of study see Catalog of Studies)

POSC Major Requirements (36 hours)

POSC 1023 Introduction to Poultry Science and Careers with lab component

POSC 2353 Poultry Production and Management with lab component

POSC 3223 Poultry Diseases

POSC 3554 Avian Anatomy

POSC 4333 Poultry Breeding or POSC 3123 Principles of Genetics

POSC 4343 Poultry Nutrition

POSC 4901 Undergraduate Seminar

Choose 10 hours from the following:
PHYS 2013/2011L College Physics I and lab; PHYS 2033/2031L College Physics II and lab; POSC 3032 Physiology I; POSC 3042 Physiology II; AGEC 2303 Introduction to Agribusiness; POSC 4213 Integrated Poultry Management Systems; POSC 4314 Egg and Meat Technology with lab component.

Poultry Science Electives (select 6 hours from any upper division course in POSC)

Discipline-related electives - select 12 hours from:

AFLS 1011/1011H            Any AFLS Honors Course

AGEC 3303              AGEC 3313              AGEC 3373

AGEC 3403              AGEC 3413              AGEC 3503

AGEC 4313              AGEC 4413              AGME 2903

ANSC 1032              ANSC 1041              ANSC 2003

ANSC 2304              ANSC 3003              ANSC 3013

ANSC 3143              ANSC 3613              ANSC 4482

ENSC 3003              ENSC 3933              ENDY 4043

FDSC 2503              FDSC 3202              FDSC 4124

FDSC 4413              FDSC 4713              HESC 1213

HESC 2112              HESC 2111L            HESC 4103

HESC 4213              HESC 4243

General Electives (12-20 hours)

8-22 hours of electives must be 3000/4000 level

124 Total hours

Minor in Poultry Science (POSC-M):

15 semester hours to include:

POSC 1023/1020L Introduction to Poultry Science and Careers

POSC 2353/2350L,Poultry Production and Management

POSC 4314/4310L Egg and Meat Technology

The remaining 5 hours to be selected from any POSC course.

Dr. Robert Wideman, Jr.
Program Coordinator
O-402 Poultry Science Center
479-575-4397

Certificates of Proficiency in Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and Food Safety Manager (FMGR) recognize students who take a concentrated core of web-based courses focused on the application of scientifically-based food safety systems through the application of HACCP systems. 

Students who earn the HACCP certificate will have a working knowledge of fundamental food microbiology, food sanitation, applicable law, statistical process control, and advanced HACCP applications in food processing industries.   Prerequisites for acceptance: applicants to the HACCP Coordinator Certificate of Proficiency Program must have completed a B.S. degree or have at least seven years relevant experience in the food industry.

HACCP Certificate Requirements: 

15 hours of web-based courses:

POSC 2003 Fundamentals of Food Microbiology

POSC 4034 Statistical Process Control in the Food Industry

HLSC 4623 Human Diseases

FDSC 2503  Food Safety and Sanitation

FDSC 3202  Introduction to Food Law  

Students who earn the Food Safety Manager (FMGR) Certificate of Proficiency will have a working knowledge of advanced food microbiology, food process engineering, human diseases, and quality management as applied in food processing industries.  Applicants to the Food Safety Manager Certificate of Proficiency must have completed the HACCP certificate program of study.

FMGR Certificate requirements: 
15 hours of web-based courses: 

FDSC 3753 Introduction to Food Engineering Principles

HLSC 4613 Principles of Epidemiology

FDSC 4823 Principles of Food Microbiology

POSC 4023 Advanced Topics in Food Safety Management

INEG 4323. Quality Engineering and Management

Poultry Science (POSC) Undergraduate Courses:

(FA) = fall semester; (SP) = spring semester; (SU) = one or both summer sessions

POSC1023 Introduction to Poultry Science and Careers (Fa) Students will be introduced to biological sciences associated with poultry and to career areas in poultry. Topics will include genetics, reproductive and digestive anatomy, egg formation and embryology, physiology, housing, and ventilation. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. Corequisite: Lab component.

POSC2003 Fundamentals of Food Microbiology (Sp, Su, Fa) The impact of intrinsic or extrinsic factors on bacteria will be examined. Course information will address the basis of the Hudele Theory or creating multiple barriers to growth, and will also set the stage for understanding predictive microbiology. Factors discussed include redox potential, water activity, pH, time and temperature. Web-based. Prerequisite: instructor permission.

POSC2353 Poultry Production and Management (Sp) Students will be introduced to the management practices used in production of young and adult chickens, turkeys, and other poultry with special emphasis on broiler, breeder, and market egg production. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: POSC 1023.

POSC3013 Exotic Companion Birds (Odd years, Fa) Topics include basic care, health, breeding, bird evolution, anatomy, and nutritional management of commonly kept exotic companion birds, including parrots, cockatoos, macaws, finches, canaries, and pigeons. Discussion will include housing and care for individual pet birds and large scale breeding and production. Lecture/discussion 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 1543.

POSC3032 Animal Physiology I (Fa) Fundamental aspects of neural/muscle/bone tissues and the cardiovascular system. The normal structure and functions of these systems will be emphasized. Lecture 2 hours per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 1543 and CHEM 1123 or CHEM 1074. (Same as ANSC 3032)

POSC3042 Animal Physiology II (Sp) Fundamental aspects of renal, respiratory, digestive, and endocrine physiology will be covered. The normal structure and function of these systems will be emphasized. Lecture 2 hours per week. Prerequisite: ANSC 3032 or POSC 3032. (Same as ANSC 3042)

POSC3123 Principles of Genetics (Fa) Fundamentals of heredity, with special emphasis on the improvement of farm animals. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 1543 and MATH 1203 or higher. (Same as ANSC 3123)

POSC3223 Poultry Diseases (Fa) Common diseases affecting poultry reared under commercial conditions will be covered including diagnosis, therapy and prevention. Immunity, sanitation practices, and chemoprophylaxis will also be covered. Lecture 3 hours per week with some demonstrations, slides and videotapes. Prerequisite: BIOL 2013 and BIOL 2011L and junior standing.

POSC3382 Poultry Judging and Selection (Sp, Fa) Practice in production judging and flock selection. Laboratory 4 hours per week.

POSC3554 Avian Anatomy (Sp) Detailed coverage of the external and internal anatomy of poultry, including formation and development of the egg and embryo. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: BIOL 1543.

POSC400V Special Problems (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-9) Special problems in the poultry sciences for advanced students.

POSC401V Internship in Poultry Science (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6) Supervised work experience with private or government organizations to introduce students to professional areas of work in poultry science. Prerequisite: junior standing. May be repeated for 8 hours.

POSC4023 Advanced Topics in Food Safety Management (Sp, Su, Fa) This capstone experience for students in the HACCP Coordinator Certificate program requires completion of selected reading materials prior to spending an intensive week in an on-campus institute at UAF. Activities include group projects, case studies, on-line library resource acquisition and industry/regulatory HACCP Round Table discussions. Prerequisite: instructor permission.

POSC4034 Statistical Process Control in the Food Industry (Sp, Su, Fa) Analysis of processing data related to food safety, quality, governmental critical limits and customer specifications. Emphasizes statistical process control chart development, including understanding data and chart selection, calculating statistical limits, and interpreting process performance. Covers quality topics appropriate for students following careers in food safety, quality, or manufacturing. Web-based. Prerequisite: instructor permission.

POSC410V Special Topics in Poultry Science (Irregular) (1-4) Topics not covered in other courses or for a more intensive study of specific topics in poultry science. Prerequisite: POSC 1023.

POSC4213 Integrated Poultry Management Systems (Even years, Sp) Major managerial systems in the integrated commercial poultry industry. Development of an understanding of the basic decision making processes of poultry companies and the factors influencing those decisions. Prerequisite: POSC 2353 and AGEC 1103 and AGEC 2303.

POSC4223 Risk Analysis for Biological Systems (Odd years, Fa) Principles of risk assessment including exposure assessment and dose response, and risk management. Methods of risk analysis modeling and simulation with computer software. Applications of risk analysis in animal, food and environmental systems. Prerequisite: STAT 2023 (or STAT 2303 or AGEC 2403 or AGST 4023) and BENG 1022. (Same as FDSC 4223)

POSC4314 Egg and Meat Technology (Fa) Study of the science and practice of  processing poultry meat and egg products; examination of the physical, chemical, functional and microbiological characteristics of value added poultry products; factors affecting consumer acceptance and marketing of poultry products and the efficiency of production. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: (CHEM 1123 and CHEM 1121L) or (CHEM 1074 and CHEM 1071L) and BIOL 1543 and BIOL 1541L.

POSC4333 Poultry Breeding (Odd years, Fa) Application of new developments in poultry breeding for efficient egg and meat production. Not intended for students interested in a career in veterinary sciences. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: MATH 1203 or higher and junior standing.

POSC4343 Poultry Nutrition (Sp) Principles of nutrition as applied to the formulation of practical chicken and turkey rations. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 2613 or CHEM 3603 and junior standing. POSC4434 Fundamentals of Reproductive Physiology (Fa) Principles of avian reproductive physiology with emphasis on poultry. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. Corequisite: lab component. Prerequisite: POSC 1023 and POSC 3123.

POSC4743 Analytical Methods in Animal Nutrition (Sp) Experience in the techniques used in the modern animal nutrition laboratory and the interpretation of experimental data. Lecture 1 hours, laboratory 4 hours per week. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: CHEM 1123 and CHEM 1121L.

POSC4923 Brain and Behavior (Fa) Course covers cellular through neural systems, major brain functions and comparative neuroanatomy. Topics include ion channels, membrane an action potentials, synaptic integration, neurotransmitters, major brain regions of mammals and birds, sensory and autonomic nervous system, neuroendocrinology, and control by the brain of critical functions and behavior.  Lecture 3 hours per week.  Prerequisite: ANSC/POSC 3032 or ANSC/POSC 3042 or PSYC 2003 or BIOL 2213 or BIOL 2443 or BIOL 2533.

POSC4901 Undergraduate Seminar (Sp) Required by all poultry science majors. Prerequisite: junior standing.

Poultry Science (POSC) Graduate Courses
link to University of Arkansas Graduate School Catalog

POSC4213 Integrated Poultry Management Systems (Even years, Sp) Major managerial systems in the integrated commercial poultry industry. Development of an understanding of the basic decision making processes of poultry companies and the factors influencing those decisions. Prerequisite: POSC 2353 and AGEC 1103 and AGEC 2303.

POSC4223 Risk Analysis for Biological Systems (Odd years, Fa) Principles of risk assessment including exposure assessment and dose response, and risk management. Methods of risk analysis modeling and simulation with computer software. Applications of risk analysis in animal, food and environmental systems. Prerequisite: STAT 2023 (or STAT 2303 or AGEC 2403 or AGST 4023) and BENG 1022. (Same as FDSC 4223)

POSC4314 Egg and Meat Technology (Fa) Study of the science and practice of  processing poultry meat and egg products; examination of the physical, chemical, functional and microbiological characteristics of value added poultry products; factors affecting consumer acceptance and marketing of poultry products and the efficiency of production. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: (CHEM 1123 and CHEM 1121L) or (CHEM 1074 and CHEM 1071L) and BIOL 1543 and BIOL 1541L.

POSC4333 Poultry Breeding (Odd years, Fa) Application of new developments in poultry breeding for efficient egg and meat production. Not intended for students interested in a career in veterinary sciences. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: MATH 1203 or higher and junior standing.

POSC4343 Poultry Nutrition (Sp) Principles of nutrition as applied to the formulation of practical chicken and turkey rations. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: CHEM 2613 or CHEM 3603 and junior standing. POSC4434 Fundamentals of Reproductive Physiology (Fa) Principles of avian reproductive physiology with emphasis on poultry. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. Corequisite: lab component. Prerequisite: POSC 1023 and POSC 3123.

POSC4743 Analytical Methods in Animal Nutrition (Sp) Experience in the techniques used in the modern animal nutrition laboratory and the interpretation of experimental data. Lecture 1 hours, laboratory 4 hours per week. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: CHEM 1123 and CHEM 1121L.

POSC4923 Brain and Behavior (Fa) Course covers cellular through neural systems, major brain functions and comparative neuroanatomy. Topics include ion channels, membrane an action potentials, synaptic integration, neurotransmitters, major brain regions of mammals and birds, sensory and autonomic nervous system, neuroendocrinology, and control by the brain of critical functions and behavior.  Lecture 3 hours per week.  Prerequisite: ANSC/POSC 3032 or ANSC/POSC 3042 or PSYC 2003 or BIOL 2213 or BIOL 2443 or BIOL 2533.

POSC500V Special Problems (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6) Work in special problems of poultry industry. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

POSC510V Special Topics in Poultry Sciences (Irregular) (1-4) Topics not covered in other courses or a more intensive study of specific topics in poultry science. Prerequisite: graduate standing.

POSC5123 Advanced Animal Genetics (Even years, Fa) Specialized study of animal genetics. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: POSC 3123 or ANSC 3123. (Same as ANSC 5123)

POSC5143 Biochemical Nutrition (Even years, Fa) Interrelationship of nutrition and physiological chemistry; structure and metabolism of physiological significant carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins; integration of metabolism with provision of tissue fuels; specie differences in regulatory control of tissue and whole body metabolism of nutrients. Prerequisite: CHEM 3813. (Same as ANSC 5143)

POSC5152 Protein and Amino Acid Nutrition (Even years, Sp) Students will be introduced to the basic processes of protein digestion, amino acid absorption, transport, metabolism, and utilization along with how biochemical function of proteins and their dynamic state affect nutritional status for animals and man. Prerequisite: CHEM 3813.

(Same as ANSC 5152)

POSC5313 Domestic Animal Bacteriology (Fa) A study of bacteria pathogenic for domestic animals. Lecture 3 hours per week.

POSC5343 Advanced Immunology (Sp) Aspects of innate, cell-mediated, and humoral immunity in mammalian and avian species. Molecular mechanisms underlying the function of the immune system are emphasized. A course in Basic Immunology prior to enrollment in Advanced Immunology is recommended but not required. Lecture 3 hours per week. (Same as BIOL 5343)

POSC5742 Advanced Poultry Diseases (Sp) The most important diseases of poultry will be covered in depth and the course will focus on understanding mechanisms of pathogenesis, diagnostic techniques and principles of prevention. Lecture/discussion 2 hours per week with Kodachrome slides and microscopic slides utilized. Prerequisite: POSC 3223.

POSC5743L Advanced Analytical Methods in Animal Sciences Laboratory (Fa)  introduction into theory and application of current advanced analytical techniques used in animal research. Two 3-hour laboratory periods per week.

POSC5752L Advanced Poultry Diseases Laboratory (Sp) This course covers laboratory techniques utilized for the isolation, identification and diagnosis of poultry diseases with a microbial cause. Students will learn diagnostic virology, bacteriology, serology and mycology. Laboratories 3 hours twice weekly and then as needed to complete  assignments. Prerequisites: POSC 3223 and POSC 5742.

POSC5763 Protozoan Parasites of Domestic Livestock and Companion Animals (Even years, Fa) Course topics will include economically and medically important protozoan parasites of domestic livestock and companion animals, with an emphasis on their  significance for animal and human health. Lecture/discussion 3 hours per week. (Same as ANSC 5763). Prerequisite: general undergraduate biology and chemistry. (Same as ANSC 5763)

POSC5853 Advanced Meats Technology (Even years, Su) An intensive study of processed meats, relating the science, technology, and quality of further processed meat and poultry products. Product development, sensory and chemical analysis, microbiology, nutritional aspects, and product labeling are covered. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Prerequisite: ANSC 3613 or POSC 4314. (Same as ANSC 5853)

POSC5873 Molecular Analysis of Foodborne Pathogens (Fa) Course topics will include molecular detection and identification of foodborne pathogens, the molecular response of foodborne pathogens to their environments, functional genomic approaches, and analysis of complex microbial communities. Lecture/discussion 3 hours per week.

POSC5901 Graduate Seminar (Sp, Fa) Critical review of the current scientific literature pertaining to the field of poultry science. Oral reports. Recitation 1 hour per week. Prerequisite: senior standing.

POSC5923 Brain and Behavior (Fa) Course covers cellular through neural systems, major brain functions and comparative neuroanatomy. Topics include ion channels, membrane an action potentials, synaptic integration, neurotransmitters, major brain regions of mammals and birds, sensory and autonomic nervous system, neuroendocrinology, and control by the brain of critical functions and behavior.  Lecture 3 hours per week, journal club 1 hour per week.  Prerequisite: ANSC/POSC 3032 or ANSC/POSC 3042 or PSYC 2003 or BIOL 2213 or BIOL 2443 or BIOL 2533 or equivalent. (Same as ANSC 5923)

POSC5932 Cardiovascular Physiology of Domestic Animals (Fa) Cardiovascular Physiology, including mechanisms of heart function and excitation, and blood vessel mechanisms associated with the circulatory system in domestic animals and poultry. Lecture 3 hours; drill 1 hour per week (for second 8 weeks of semester). Pre- or Corequisite: CHEM 3813. Corequisite: Drill component. Prerequisite: ANSC/POSC 3032 and ANSC/POSC 3042. (Same as ANSC 5932)

POSC5942 Endocrine Physiology of Domestic Animals (Fa) Endocrine physiology, including mechanisms of hormone secretion, function, and regulation. Mechanisms associated with the endocrine system will be discussed for domestic animals and poultry. Lecture 3 hours; drill 1 hour per week (for second 8 weeks of semester). Pre- or Corequisite: CHEM 3813. Corequisite: Drill component. Prerequisite: ANSC/POSC 3032 and ANSC/POSC 3042. (Same as ANSC 5942)

POSC5952 Respiratory Physiology of Domestic Animals (Sp) Respiratory physiology, including mechanisms of lung function and gas exchange. Mechanisms associated with the interaction of the respiratory system with other bodily systems in domestic animals and poultry will be discussed. Lecture 3 hours; drill 1 hour per week for first 8 weeks of semester. Pre- or Corequisite: CHEM 3813. Corequisite: Drill component. Prerequisite: ANSC/POSC 3032 and ANSC/POSC 3042. (Same as ANSC 5952)

POSC5962 Gastrointestinal/Digestive Physiology of Domestic Animals (Sp) Gastrointestinal and hepatic physiology, including mechanisms of digestion, absorption of nutrients with emphasis on cellular control mechanisms in domestic animals and poultry. Lecture 3 hours; drill 1 hour per week (for second 8 weeks of semester). Pre- or

Corequisite: CHEM 3813. Corequisite: Drill component. Prerequisite: ANSC/POSC 3032 and ANSC/POSC 3042 (Same as ANSC 5962)

POSC5972 Renal Physiology of Domestic Animals (Sp) Renal physiology, including mechanisms of renal clearance with emphasis on cellular control mechanisms in domestic animals and poultry. Lecture 3 hours; drill 1 hour per week (for second 8 weeks of  semester). Pre- or Corequisite: CHEM 3813. Corequisite: Drill component. Prerequisite: ANSC/POSC 3032 and ANSC/POSC 3042. (Same as ANSC 5972)

POSC600V Thesis (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-6) Prerequisite: graduate standing.

POSC6343 Vitamin Nutrition in Domestic Animals (Even years, Sp) The vitamins required by domestic animals with emphasis upon their role in animal nutrition, physiological functions, and consequences of failure to meet the requirement of the animal. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: (ANSC 3143 or POSC 4343) and CHEM

3813. (Same as ANSC 6343)

POSC700V Doctoral Dissertation (Sp, Su, Fa) (1-18) Prerequisite: graduate standing.