Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisites and Other Registration Restrictions: Medical clearance to work with animals is required. For information on obtaining this clearance, please read our Working With Animals (84k PDF) information sheet. Contact Dr. Aparna Zama (aparna.zama@rutgers.edu) with questions. Other than medical clearance, there are no prerequisites for this course. However, you must be comfortable learning to handle and restrain pigs, sheep, goats, cows, horses, and poultry.
Format: This is a hands-on, experiential learning (EL) course, involving direct interaction with pigs, sheep, goats, cows, horses, and poultry to gain practical insights into their handling techniques and behavior. Students will be graded on attendance and participation, journal entries chronicling lessons covered, and a final practical demonstrating both knowledge about and competency in skills related to proper animal handling. Each section of the class meets for a period once a week. The content of the course may vary from week to week based on the dynamics of the farm and the availability of animals.
Description: This course aims to equip students with fundamental skills and knowledge in handling various animal species. The course structure allows students to spend dedicated time with each species, ensuring equal exposure and learning opportunities. Students will learn the basics of animal handling, including proper approaches, restraint methods, and movement techniques. They will also gain an understanding of species-specific behavior, communication cues, and response patterns. While the Introduction to Animal Handling course provides valuable exposure to handling skills and behavior, it does not delve into the depth and breadth offered by the more specialized animal practicum courses. Instead, this introductory course serves as a foundation, providing students with a solid understanding of basic animal handling techniques applicable across different species.
Assessment: Grading is based on weekly participation and observation, the journal entries, and the final practical. No-Credit will be assigned if a student misses more than 2 classes, does not submit a complete journal by the due date, and/or does not display competent animal handling skills during practical.
Other Requirements: Proper clothing and footwear at all times are required to participate.