FAQ's

What is the difference between Animal Biology and Animal Science?
First off, we are in two separate departments – Animal Science (ANS) is its own department and Animal Biology (ABI) is in the Department of Entomology. The Animal Biology Major split from Animal Science in 2007. By 2010, we had tripled in size and have developed the major into what it is today.

Essentially, the main difference between the two majors is that ANS is based on agriculture and husbandry and specializes in domestic and farm animals whereas ABI is research-based and does not focus on any one particular group of animals. Explore this site for more information about the ABI major and feel free to visit the Animal Science Major website to learn more about their major.

What can I do with this major after I graduate?
Really, whatever you like. The practicum is the perfect opportunity to explore your scientific interests and gain valuable experience that will prepare you for whichever path you choose after graduation - either the work force or a graduate/professional school program. Many of our students students go on to vet school or med school, dental school, etc. We also have students who pursue graduate programs in animal behavior, environmental science, conservation biology, immunology/pathology, education/teaching, and more. AND some ABI students continue on to do work for government agencies such as CA Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Services.

The ABI major gives you a solid background in general biology, ecology/evolution, scientific methods, and scientific writing – it’s up to you to make it into what you want it to be. The Internship and Career Center website has some great resources for jobs, internships, and fellowships at all levels that you can pursue during or after your undergraduate career - check out our Student Resources page for more information.

Why do I have to do a Senior Practicum?
The Senior Practicum is YOUR opportunity to
1) conform the major to your own interests
2) gain valuable experience in research techniques/methods and scientific writing
3) work with staff/faculty and/or graduate students at UC Davis or off-campus
4) help you prepare for post-graduate goals

See our page on the Practicum for more information.

Does the Senior Practicum have to be animal-related?
The Senior Practicum should have a scientific foundation and potentially some relation to animals. You choose your topic - not from a list - but from your own creative, scientific mind. Some past topics have included:

ISSUES PAPERS

• "Cost/Benefit Analysis of Providing Environmental Enrichment to Predators Housed in Zoos"
• "A Comparison of Ethanol and Butanol (and other higher-order alcohols) as Transportation Fuels: Chemical Properties, Energy Efficiency, and Environmental Impact"
• "The 'Right Choice' Classroom Curriculum": Incorporating Animal Interaction into Classroom Curriculum

EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH

• "Adverse Reactions to Killed Viral Vaccines in Horses"
• "Effects of Perches on the Walking Ability of Broiler Chickens"
• "The Effects of 'Hide-Perch-and-Go' Carriers on Cat Stress Levels in Veterinary Hospitals"

I still want to learn more about the Animal Biology major. What other resources are available to me? 
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at:

152 Hutchison
University of California, Davis
Phone: (530) 752-7277
Email: abi-advising@ucdavis.edu