About

Animal bioscience is the study of animal metabolism, genetics, physiology, nutrition, behaviour, care, health and the social and environmental impact of domestic animals.


Quick facts
  • Four year degree 
  • Full-time program
  • You can enter this program directly from high school
  • You can begin this program off-campus

What you will learn

Do you have an interest in domestic animals? You will have opportunities to learn through experience in working with animals. This program meets the pre-veterinary medicine requirements and prepares you to work in fields outside of traditional animal agriculture including biomedical sciences, companion, equine and research animal care, animal health and environmental sciences.

A first-year schedule sample

Although there is a great deal of overlap between first year courses for most AgBio programs, it is important to consult the Course and Program Catalogue and contact an academic advisor for information about course selection prior to registration. Here's an example of what a first year in the degree program might look like: 

Course Description

Fall Term
AGRC 110 Scientific Literacy and Communication for the Agricultural Sciences
AGRC 111 Discovery in Plant and Soil Sciences
BIOL 120 The Nature of Life
CHEM 112 General Chemistry I Structure Bonding and Properties of Materials
ENG 114* Literature and Composition Reading Culture

Winter Term
AGRC 113 Introduction to Agri Food Economics
ANBI 110 Introductory Animal Bioscience
CHEM 115 General Chemistry II Chemical Processes
MATH 104 Elementary Calculus
GEOG 130* Environment Health and Planning

* These are elective courses. You'll have a number of courses to choose between.

The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program. 

Here are just a few of the classes you might take while you complete this degree:

ANBI 375 Animals and the Environment 
Discusses the important role that domestic animals play in an environmentally appropriate land use strategy, in both extensive and intensive systems. The major focus will be to examine animal agriculture's ecological footprint including impact on riparian areas, nutrient cycling, climate change, ecological diversity including wildlife and human health. Sustainable agricultural practices including mitigation strategies for reducing the effects of animal agriculture on the environment will be covered. 

ANBI 411: Behaviour of Domestic Animals
Provides students with an understanding of the principles of animal behaviour, and how these relate to management of domestic species. Emphasizes the social behaviour of animals and introduces the relationship between animal behaviour and animal welfare.

ANBI 492: Literature Thesis in Animal Bioscience
The student develops a question to be explored in depth in an area relevant to animal bioscience. Working with a faculty supervisor the student prepares a thesis on the topic. Most often the thesis relies on current scientific literature but occasionally additional new data are analyzed. Presentation of the thesis in a conference setting is required.

Career skills
You will graduate with excellent industry-endorsed scientific training and a foundation of marketable career skills. Our strong ties with industry and our reputation for producing well-rounded, quality graduates means that many businesses look here first when hiring employees.

Small class sizes
AgBio offers a setting that combines the advantages of a full-scale university with the benefits of a small, specialized program. The small class sizes in third and fourth year and supportive atmosphere allows you to get to know your instructors and fellow students, and to build a network of personal and business contacts.

Research
We are committed to finding solutions to sustainably feed a hungry and growing world. Our five departments provide a foundation for our broad array of research activities, both basic and applied. We have over a century of innovative products and practices that have transformed the world.

Opportunities to get involved
AgBio has one of the campus’s most active and spirited student bodies. There are several student clubs in the college to join to enhance your university experience.

Collaborative environment
Our faculty and researchers actively collaborate across the university, as well as nationally and internationally. We have created strong, productive partnerships with numerous governments, private enterprises, producer groups, research centres, and industry associations to develop a sophisticated network for applied science, business and policy development. Outreach, technology transfer and information sharing is an important part our research.

Graduates of degree programs in the College of AgBio are eligible for Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.) membership in the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists, allowing them to engage in the practise of Agrology.

Careers

Graduates will choose from a diverse set of career choices in government, non-government organizations and the private sector including:

  • Animal pharmaceutical sales and clinical trial testing
  • Environmental impact assessment of wild and domestic animal interactions
  • Laboratory testing and development of DNA tests for animal traits related to health and performance
  • Animal welfare positions within and outside government, such as the SPCA, cities and rural municipalities
  • Product development and sales for the growing pet care industry
  • Research animal care and management

The B.Sc. (Animal Bioscience) is a highly useful and marketable background for studies in other areas including veterinary medicine and medicine.

Graduates also have excellent prospects as Masters students at the U of S and at universities across North America and internationally.

Tuition estimates

Canadian students International students
Tuition $7,618 $31,996
Student fees $1,089 $1,089
Books $1,500 $1,500
Total $10,207 $34,585

Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay in your first year if you enroll in a full course load, the maximum number of courses allowed (2023-2024 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 per year.

Program option

Our tour video guides prospective students through the College of Agriculture and Bioresources and some memorable spots on the beautiful University of Saskatchewan campus!

The Bachelor of Science in Animal Bioscience [B.Sc.(An.Biosc.)] degree is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Agriculture and Bioresources:

  • B.Sc. (An.Biosc) Four-year

Admission requirements and deadlines

Deadlines

Start term Application DeadlineInternational Deadline
Winter
January 2024
Dec 1, 2023
Documents due: Dec 15, 2023
Sep 1, 2023
Documents due: Oct 1, 2023
Spring
May 2024
Apr 1, 2024
Documents due: May 1, 2024
Feb 1, 2024
Documents due: Mar 1, 2024
Summer
July 2024
May 1, 2024
Documents due: Jun 1, 2024
Mar 1, 2024
Documents due: Apr 1, 2024
Fall
September 2024
May 1, 2024
Documents due: Jun 1, 2024
May 1, 2024
Documents due: Jun 1, 2024

Ready to apply?

A non-refundable application fee of $90 CAD is required before your application will be processed.

Explore related programs

If you are looking for graduate level (Master or Ph.D.) programs please consult our graduate students' website.

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