ANSC 1500

Biology of Cats and Dogs: No Woof and Meow About It

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2024-2025.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with core principles of science through the study of cat and dog biology. The course is divided into three modules: 1) The evolution and genetics, 2) Physiology and life cycles, 3) Nutrition and energy requirements. The course will be a combination of short lectures, in-class exercises based on readings and lectures, weekly workshops to reflect and develop arguments related to material covered in lectures, and case-studies at the end of each module. This course is suitable for non-life sciences majors.

When Offered Fall, Summer.

Permission Note Not open to: Animal Science students.

Distribution Category (BIO-AG, OPHLS-AG)

• Use the basic principles of inheritance to assess impacts of selective breeding on cats and dogs.
• Compare and contrast the physiological systems and life cycles of cats and dogs.
• Explain the divergence in feeding strategies and nutrient requirements between cats and dogs based on their respective evolution.
• Interpret pet food labels.
• Generate arguments on controversial issues that relate to the evolution and biology of felids and canids (e.g., selective breeding and brachycephalic dogs, grain-free diets and misinformation, veganism and welfare of cats and dogs).

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