Faculty Syllabus

INSTRUCTOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Angelica Huerta

512-223-9464

angelica.huerta1@austincc.edu

Office hours: Tuesday 8:00 am – 9:00 am (EGN – Building 2000 Lobby)

If you are unable to attend office hours, please email to arrange another time to meet outside of class.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

• Credit Hours: 4
• Classroom Contact Hours per week: 3
• Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 2

COURSE RATIONALE

Introductory Animal Science is intended to introduce students to the basic concepts and biological principles of animal production including genetics, physiology, reproduction, nutrition and behavior. This course will also address the societal relationship with animal products and the global markets driving production.

This course will give students a scientific background in raising different types of livestock from reproduction to market with emphasis on rotational grazing and regenerative practices. In the lab portion, students will gain practical skills of working and handling livestock.

PREREQUISITES

No prerequisites are required for this course.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

Classroom instruction for the lecture/lab. Please be prepared for outdoor lab work in all weather conditions.

REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS/SOFTWARE

Scientific Farm Animal Production: An Introduction to Animal Science, 12th Edition. 2019. Field, T.G. & Taylor, R.E.

ISBN-13: 978-0135187258

Scientific animal production and the importance of livestock and meat industries. Selection, reproduction, nutrition, management, and marketing of livestock.

Laboratory activities will reinforce scientific animal production and the importance of livestock and meat industries.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES & GENERAL EDUCATION COMPETENCIES

1. Explain the role of animal agriculture in providing benefits for mankind.
2. Identify common livestock breeds and classes.
3. Define terminology specific to animal science disciplines.
4. Demonstrate understanding of fundamental animal science principles including selection, reproduction, nutrition, and health.
5. Apply animal science principles by solving common problems.
6. Identify animal issues of interest to society, and related responsibilities.
7. Apply scientific reasoning to investigate questions and utilize animal science tools to collect and analyze data and demonstrate methods.
8. Use critical thinking and scientific problem-solving to make informed decisions. Communicate effectively the results of scientific investigations.

GRADING SYSTEM

Exam 1

Covers the first seven weeks of course work. Multiple choice, matching, and true/false questions. The exam will be open note and you will have 90 minutes to complete the exam. The exam will be accessed via Blackboard.

Final Exam

Covers the last eight weeks of course work (slightly cumulative). Multiple choice, matching, and true/false questions. The exam will be open note and you will have 90 minutes to complete the exam. The exam will be accessed via Blackboard.

Labs

There will be 9 graded labs worth 20 points each.

Laboratory Attendance: Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students. Please bring appropriate lab attire: closed toe shoes, beanie, coat, gloves, water bottle, sun protection.

Weekly Quizzes

Each week you will have a Blackboard quiz that covers the week’s lecture/reading materials due on Sundays at 11:59 pm.

In-Class Assignments

In-class assignments will be given throughout the semester during lecture. This can include a pop quiz, sharing a related news article with the class, or a problem solving scenario regarding animal husbandry.

Animal Husbandry Presentation DUE 5/7/2026 at 11:59 pm

For this assignment, you will choose an animal to raise and monitor until it reaches maturity. In this fictional example, you will decide if you want to raise poultry or livestock and decide on the particular breed of the species. You must describe the reproduction & birthing process, growth & development of the animal, health & nutrition requirements, and management practices associated with this species.

You will include:

• Growth & developmental milestones
• Nutritional needs at different stages
• Reproductive process
• Common diseases or illnesses in this region/in this species
• Cost of care of animal until it reaches maturity
• Plan for animals (sales barn/auction, processor, eat, sell meat, milk, etc.)

COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement (or other resource faculty is using to communicate).

Lecture topics, lab topics, and exam dates are subject to change.

STUDENT TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

Austin Community College provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Additional details are available at Student Technology Access.

Students who do not have the necessary technology to complete their ACC courses can request to borrow devices from Student Technology Services. Available devices include iPads, webcams, headsets, calculators, etc. Students must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course to be eligible. For more information, including how to request a device, visit Student Technology Access.

Student Technology Services offers phone, live-chat, and email-based technical support for students and can provide support on topics such as password resets, accessing or using Blackboard, access to technology, etc. To view hours of operation and ways to request support, visit Student Technology Access.

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COURSE POLICIES

Attendance/Class Participation

Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students.  Please contact Prof. Huerta if you are unable to attend a lecture or lab prior to class start time. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is April 27, 2026.  The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

Last day to drop without a grade or W is February 4, 2026.

Missed Exam and Late Work Policies

Any late work will be marked down 10% for each class session past the due date. For example, if you turn in an assignment one class session late the most you can earn on that assignment is a 90%. Contact Professor Huerta for any questions.

Incompletes

An incomplete (grade of "I") will only be given for extenuating circumstances.  What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion.  If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date set by the student and professor.  This date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the following semester.  A grade of I also requires completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade form, to be signed by the faculty member (and student if possible) and submitted to the department chair.

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant.  The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not.  The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade. 

1.    Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.

2.    The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement.  A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.   

3.    The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  

4.    Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.  

5.    When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F. 

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.”  Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence

Generative AI (GAI) refers to artificial intelligence systems that can generate text, images, or other content based on minimal input. This includes chatbots, image generation tools, and code assistants. The use of GAI is permitted in this course under limited conditions to enhance learning while maintaining academic integrity. GAI is permitted to allow students to leverage advanced tools for research, but it is NOT a substitute for critical thinking and learning. The dynamic nature of agricultural animal production and their respective markets should encourage students to learn the subject matter with minimal assistance from GAI so they are better prepared for their careers.

Permitted Usage: GAI can be used for initial research and idea generation. It is not to be used for final submissions nor as a primary source for assignments/research. Contributions of GAI must be clearly cited, and will be assessed on the student’s ability to critically analyze and integrate the AI-generated content.

Resources: Guidance on the ethical and effective use of GAI will be provided through designated course materials and office hours.

Penalties: Misuse of GAI, including a failure to cite, will be considered a breach of academic integrity. Violating the GAI policies may result in academic penalties which may include a failing grade for the activity, reporting to academic affairs, and further disciplinary action.

Exceptions: Should the technology be required as an accommodation, exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Please reach out to Prof. Huerta should you have any questions about the GAI policies.

COLLEGE POLICIES

Health & Safety Protocols

Operational areas of ACC campuses and centers are fully open and accessible through all public entrances.  The college encourages its staff, faculty, and students to be mindful of the well-being of all individuals on campus.  If you feel sick, feverish, or unwell, please do not come to campus.

Some important things to remember:

• If you have not done so, ACC encourages all students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available throughout the community. Visit Vaccines.gov to find a vaccine location near you.
• Campuses are open to faculty, staff, and students.  The college and its departments and offices may invite internal and external guests to their events and activities, though access is still restricted for external parties seeking to host activities at ACC.   
• If you are experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms, please get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible before returning to an ACC facility.  Testing is now widely available. 
• ACC continues to welcome face masks on campus.  Per CDC guidelines, face masks remain a good way to protect yourself from COVID-19. 
  The college asks that we all continue to respect the personal space of others. We are encouraging 3 feet of social distancing.

Please be sure to carry your student, faculty, or staff ID badge at all times while on campus.

Statement on Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at the Academic Integrity website.   

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Students at ACC have the same rights and protections under the Constitution of the United States. These rights include freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition and association. As members of the community, students have the right to express their own views, but must also take responsibility for according the same rights to others and not interfere or disrupt the learning environment. Students are entitled to fair treatment, are expected to act consistently with the values of the college, and obey local, state, and federal laws.  Student Rights & Responsibilities

As a student of Austin Community College you are expected to abide by the Student Standards of Conduct.

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements 

Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-clinical counseling staff cannot keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them.

If you would like to talk with someone confidentiality, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus:  (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online, go to the Counseling website.

While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options:  Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964;  compliance@austincc.edu .

If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at the Student Complaint Procedures website. 

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.

Recording Policy

To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section.  Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through BlackBoard or another platform.  Participation in such activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity.  Such recordings are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at the Emergency Management website.

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an outbreak of illness, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Smoke, Vaping, & Tobacco-Free Environment

ACC provides a smoke/vape- and tobacco-free environment for all College vehicles, facilities and all campuses. The College prohibits the use, distribution, and/or sale of tobacco, smoke, and nicotine vapor products and devices by any person on all premises owned, rented, leased or supervised by the College, including all College facilities, buildings, grounds, and vehicles. This prohibition applies to property owned by others that the College uses by agreement, and further applies to all College and personal vehicles on ACC District property.  Campus Managers and Campus Coordinators are required to inform anyone on their campus or in their center who are violating this rule that they are doing so and, if the violator is a student, the Dean of Student Affairs must initiate disciplinary procedures.

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. 

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 512-223-1231.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at the Campus Carry website.

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide.

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at the ACC Email Q&A website.

Use of the Testing Center

The Testing Centers will allow only limited in person testing and testing time will be limited to the standard class time, typically one and one-half hours.  Specifically, only the following will be allowed in the Testing Centers:

• Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Testing: All approved SAS testing
• Assessments Tests: Institutionally approved assessment tests (e.g., TSIA or TABE)
• Placement Tests: Placement tests (e.g., ALEKS)
• Make-Up Exams (for students who missed the original test): Make-up testing is available for all lecture courses but will be limited to no more than 25% of students enrolled in each section for each of four tests

• Programs incorporating industry certification exams: Such programs (e.g., Microsoft, Adobe, etc.) may utilize the ACC Business Assessment Center for the industry certification exams (BACT) at HLC or RRC

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Student Support

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at the Student Resources website.  A comprehensive array of student support services is available online at the Student Support website.

Student Accessibility Services

Austin Community College (ACC) is committed to providing a supportive, accessible, and inclusive learning environment for all students.  Each campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through Student Accessibility Services (SAS).

Students are encouraged to request accommodations prior to the beginning of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received accommodations from SAS for this course will provide the instructor with the legal document titled “Faculty Notification Letter” (FNL) through the Accessible Information Management (AIM) portal.

Until the instructor receives the FNL, accommodations should not be provided.  Once the FNL is received, accommodations must be provided.  Accommodations are not retroactive, so it is in the student’s best interest to request their accommodations as soon as possible prior to the beginning of the semester.

Please contact SAS@austincc.edu for more information.

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. 

Additional tutoring information can be found here: Online Tutoring

Library Services

ACC Library Services offers both in-person and extensive online services, with research and assignment assistance available in-person during limited hours of service. Although all college services are subject to change, plans include ACC students signing up for study space and use of computers at open libraries, extensive online instruction in classes, online reference assistance 24/7 and reference with ACC faculty librarians. In addition, currently enrolled students, faculty and staff can access Library Services online (also 24/7) via the ACC Library website and by using their ACCeID to access all online materials (ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos). ACC Libraries offer these services in numerous ways such as: "Get Help from a Faculty Librarian: the 24/7 Ask a Librarian chat service," an online form for in-depth research Q and A sessions, one-on-one video appointments, email, and phone (voicemail is monitored regularly).

• Library Website
• Library Information & Services during COVID-19
• Ask a Librarian 24/7 chat and form
• Library Hours of Operation by Location
• Email: library@austincc.edu

Parent and Family Engagement Services

ACC understands how important parent and family support is to every student's college journey. From parents and siblings to stepparents, grandparents, partners, and loved ones, the Parent and Family Engagement Office at ACC is committed to empowering families to support student success. The office provides a family orientation to ACC, free workshops explaining the world of higher education (financial aid, student resources, career and transfer services, etc.), a monthly newsletter full of student success tips, and a website designed to answer family members' frequently asked questions. All students, especially first-generation students, are encouraged to share these resources with their families and invite them to be part of the Riverbat experience. Contact familyengagement@austincc.edu or visit the Parent & Family Engagement website for more information.

Academic Adjustments for Pregnant Students

ACC works with each student to provide academic adjustments that best meet their needs, including for students who are pregnant.  Examples of such adjustments may include but are not limited to:

• Breaks during class, as needed
• Excused absences or a leave of absence
• Making up missed assignments or assessments
• Additional time to complete assignments in the same manner as the institution allows for a student with a temporary medical condition

Additional examples and further information are available at the Accommodations for Pregnant Students website.  To request adjustments due to pregnancy, contact equalopportunity@austincc.edu.

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at the Student Life website.

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

• Food resources including community pantries and bank drives can be found here at the Central Texas Food Bank website.

• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center
• The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes
• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office.  
• A full listing of services for student parents is available at the Child Care website.

Mental health counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns at the Counseling website.

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help.  However, if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

• Austin / Travis County 24-hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
• The Williamson County 24-hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
• Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
• Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:   1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI