Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

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Introduction

The University of Illinois Department of Animal Sciences offers graduate work leading to the Master of Science (M.S.) in Animal Sciences and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Animal Sciences degrees. The Animal Sciences Graduate Program is designed to create leaders in agribusiness, academia and government. The goal of our faculty is to encourage and enhance each student's curiosity and ability to think clearly, critically and creatively.

The University of Illinois Department of Animal Sciences faculty is highly distinguished as measured by productivity in peer-reviewed publications, national and international awards, faculty-generated grants and contracts, and by their creative teaching, research, and extension programs. Each year, faculty publish about 200 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, books, and invited papers, and are awarded approximately $3.4 million in research grants. Four current and former members of the faculty and two former Ph.D. students have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences.

The future success of our graduate students is fundamental to the continued success of our Department. Graduate students are invited to call on any member of the Department whenever they believe that one of us can assist in making their graduate education more productive and more rewarding.

Policies Applying to All Graduate Students

This document identifies the academic policies and procedures for graduate students in the Department of Animal Sciences. These policies and procedures are based on the following Graduate College and University of Illinois publications:

These publications are available on the University World Wide Web site (http://www.uiuc.edu) or the Graduate School Web site (http://www.grad.uiuc.edu) or you may request copies from the Graduate College, 202 Coble Hall or the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 4th Floor, Swanlund Administration Building.

The policies and procedures described herein will pertain to all students entering the Animal Sciences Graduate Program in Fall 1998. Students already enrolled at that time may follow the requirements in this publication or those in effect when they entered the Graduate Program.

If discrepancies exist, the Graduate College or University policies take precedence. A petition may be filed to request a deviation from these policies and procedures. Petition forms are available in the Graduate Program Office, 436 Animal Sciences Laboratory, the Graduate College, 202 Coble Hall or at (http://www.grad.uiuc.edu/forms/formsGC.html). Deviation from policies or procedures stated herein or from other applicable regulations must be approved by the Head of the Department or the Dean of the Graduate College as appropriate. It is strongly suggested that you file the petition before the deviation occurs.

A Handbook for Graduate Students and Advisers is available at (http://www.grad.uiuc.edu/grad_handbook/). It explains your privileges and responsibilities as a graduate student, describes many of the services provided to you by the University and summarizes the Graduate College regulations that apply to all graduate students. The following topics are covered in detail in the Handbook for Graduate Students and Advisers:

  • The Graduate College
  • Disciplinary Units
  • Admission
  • Registration
  • Tuition and Fees
  • Financial Aid
  • Grades, Credit, and Degree Requirements
  • Graduate Assistants
  • Information for International Students
  • Information for Minority Students
  • Problem Solving
  • Academic Integrity
  • Health
  • Housing
  • Special Programs and Services
  • Addresses for Campus Units

 

Much of the handbook deals with rules and regulations, but it also suggests ways in which exceptions can be requested for good reasons. New graduate students will receive a copy of this handbook in the mailbox soon after the beginning of their first semester. If you have lost or misplaced your copy of this booklet, you may obtain another copy from the Graduate College or the Department Graduate Program Office.

The Code of Policies and Regulations Applying to All Students is available in a searchable format at http://www.uiuc.edu/admin_manual/code/. It contains detailed information on the following topics:

  • Individual Rights, Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity
  • Student Conduct
  • Grievances and Complaints
  • Motor Vehicles and Bicycles
  • Academic Policies
  • Registration, Course Changes and Withdrawal
  • Tuition and Fees
  • Health Insurance Program
  • Student Records
  • Grades
  • Transcripts
  • Academic Probation
  • Examinations
  • Recognition of Academic Achievement
  • Residence and Scholarship Requirements
  • Conferral of Honors
  • Registered Organizations
  • Residency Requirements

Areas of Study

The Department of Animal Sciences offers the following areas of study:

  • Behavior
  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Breeding and Genetics
  • Care and Management
  • Environmental Physiology
  • Growth and Development
  • Immunobiology
  • Lactation
  • Meat Science and Muscle Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Nonruminant Nutrition
  • Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology
  • Ruminant Nutrition

Beef and dairy cattle, horses, poultry, sheep, swine, and a variety of companion and laboratory animals are available for study.

Degree Programs

The Department offers the Master of Science (M.S.) in Animal Sciences and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Animal Sciences. Graduate students are admitted into one of these programs.

The Graduate Program is designed to provide fundamental training in basic and applied animal sciences. After selecting an area of specialization, students are guided by the academic advisor and advisory committees in designing a program of study that will help to develop the knowledge and skills appropriate to the student's career and professional objectives. Students usually prepare for careers in basic or applied animal sciences in universities, government agencies, and private industry; college teaching; industry, community, and public health education programs; or animal industries.

Faculty in Animal Sciences may be members of the campus wide Nutritional Sciences Division and supervise graduate students in Nutritional Sciences. Application and admission to the Nutritional Sciences Division are coordinated through the Nutritional Sciences office (449 Bevier Hall). A Genetics Specialization is available within the Department of Animal Sciences through the campus wide Genetics Program. Students are admitted to the program after their acceptance by one of the participating departments and review by the Genetics Program Executive Committee of the Graduate College.