Animal Science

The Animal Science program prepares students for a variety of career opportunities within the animal care industry and agricultural sciences. It also helps guide students to postsecondary opportunities. Students learn through hands-on experiences from the animals in the classroom, off site visits to local businesses, discussions and presentations from industry professionals and personal projects they develop.

While in the program, students will:

Operate hands-on in the classroom to become proficient in animal handling techniques and other components of small animal care including diagnostic and preventative care.
Identify animal welfare concerns and the importance of this in our community and within the animal industry, including food science.
Explore the anatomy and physiology of animals across species and learn how their body systems impact health, growth and performance.
Learn why preserving agriculture is so important for our future.
Learn about agricultural leadership including the importance of communication on sensitive topics.
Tour and job shadow at veterinary hospitals and large animal facilities and discover the vast career opportunities in the animal industry
Opportunities within FFA to grow and develop strong personal characteristics and build lasting relationships.

Recommended courses before coming to TCALC:

Human Anatomy and Physiology
Invertebrate Zoology
Vertebrate Zoology

Course Sequence at TCALC:

Semester	Courses
1	Small Animal Care #5302 (1.0) & Animal Science #5301 (.5)
2	Intro to Ag #5300 (1.0) & Animal Science #5301 (.5)
3	Advanced Animal Science #5303 (1.0) & Animal Health Vet Tech #5304 (.5)
4	Animal Science Intern #5305 (1.0) & Animal Health Vet Tech #5304 (.5)

Upon completion of this two year program, students are eligible to earn college credit at Barton County Community College.

National FFA Organization Logo

The supporting CTSO for Animal Science is Future Farmers of America. FFA, the nation’s premier youth leadership organization. Students have the opportunity to gain leadership skills as well as compete in career development events across the state.

Our Animal Science instructor is Mrs. Lauren Westhoff. Mrs. Westhoff earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and Biology from Oklahoma Panhandle State University. She grew up in FFA and earned her American Degree.

Engage students in the highest quality of learning • Prepare students for responsible, productive citizenship • Inspire excellence for a lifetime

We Support Equal Opportunities

The Topeka Public Schools, Unified School District No. 501 is committed to affirmative action and equal opportunity. No person shall, on the basis of age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, national origin or ancestry be denied lawful access to any appropriate educational service, program, or activity provided by the school district. For students, the Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 compliance coordinator is the General Counsel for the district. For employment, the EEO/AA and Title VII compliance officer is the general director of human resources. Compliance coordinators may be contacted at 624 S.W. 24th Street, Topeka, KS 66611-1294, (785) 295-3000. The clerk of the Board of Education has been designated to receive and redirect or handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, regulations, and procedures. The clerk may be contacted by calling (785) 295-3059 or by writing to 624 S.W. 24th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66611-1294.

Topeka Center for Advanced Learning & Careers + College Prep Academy

Animal Science