Graduate Course Descriptions

The following directory lists the graduate courses which the University expects to offer, although the University in no way guarantees that all such courses will be offered in any given academic year, and reserves the right to alter the list if conditions warrant. Click on the links below for a list of courses in that subject area. You may then click “View Classes” to see scheduled classes for individual courses.

5004. Introduction to Data Analysis in Agriculture

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Instructor consent.

Grading Basis: Graded

Concepts of data analysis applied to agriculture. Introduction to R/Rstudio and basic elements of coding, data management, data cleaning, graphics, and statistical analysis. The course covers software installation, basic and intermediate usage, and some of the common data analysis tools used in agricultural research. Additionally, the course covers some basic examples of bioinformatics that are commonly used in agriculture. Course includes recorded lectures, notes, homework, two small data analysis projects, and a capstone data analysis project.

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5601. Experimental Design in Animal Science

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Discussion of the basic principles of design and analysis for experiments in animal and food science. Both theory and practical application of designing experiments will be included. Emphasis is placed on data analysis using SAS, highlighting determination of the most appropriate analysis for an experiment and interpretation of output.

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5613. Growth and Metabolism of Domestic Animals

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

An assessment of animal growth and metabolism interrelated to nutrition, selection, environment, production and idiosyncrasies among species.

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5614. Advanced Animal Nutrition

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

A comparative study of nutritional, physiological, microbiological, immunological and biochemical aspects of digestion and metabolism in the non-ruminant and ruminant animal. Topics include digestive system structures, utilization of nutrients, energy metabolism, control of nutrient metabolism, and experimental techniques used in the study of animal nutrition. Feedstuffs appropriate to meet nutrient requirements and ration formulation across various physiological stages, growth, gestation, and lactation will be covered in this course. There will be a focus on developing critical thinking skills, reading current literature, and assimilating scientific concepts in written and oral forms.

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5615. Comparative Exercise Physiology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

In depth discussion of the effects of exercise on the body with emphasis placed on the physiological mechanisms which allow for adaptation to periods of exercise and inactivity. Idiosyncrasies among the athletic species will be highlighted.

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5616. Endocrinology of Farm Animals

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

In depth discussion on endocrine systems and endocrine function in farm animals with emphasis on hormones involved in metabolism, growth, lactation, feed intake and digestion in cattle, pigs, horses and poultry.

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5618. Probiotics and Prebiotics

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Biology, uses, effectiveness and safety of probiotics and prebiotics. Molecular mechanisms underlying the health benefits attributed to the consumption of pre and probiotics. Application of pre and probiotics to promote human and animal health, including safety and regulation. A background in general microbiology or concurrent registration in a microbiology course is recommended.

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5619. Signaling Pathways

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Recommended preparation: Previous three-credit course in cell biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry.

Grading Basis: Graded

Principles of cell signaling transduction. Major cellular regulatory pathways and interactions between pathway components. Regulatory mechanism of various cellular processes via specific signaling network, and methods used for studying cell-signaling pathways.

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5621. Frontiers in Animal Embryo Biotechnology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Focuses on the epigenetics and molecular aspects of embryology such as genomic imprinting and X inactivation. Introduces the state of numerous established and emerging embryo biotechnologies such as assisted reproductive technologies; gamete cryopreservation; transgenesis; nuclear transfer (cloning); gene targeting/genome editing; xenotransplantation; embryonic and tissue stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells and their applications.

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5640. Animal Food Products: Dairy Technology

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Production and processing of milk and milk products from a food science perspective, including chemical, physical, and microbiological components. Technological aspects of the transformation of milk into various food products. Public health regulations, good manufacturing practices, cleaning and sanitizing procedures. Unit operations in dairy food manufacturing, packaging, labeling, and quality control procedures.

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5641. Food Chemistry

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Chemical, physical and biological changes in foods and food macromolecules that occur during processing and storage that affect texture, color, flavor, stability and nutritive qualities. Field trips may be required.

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5643. Muscle Biology and Muscle Food Chemistry

3.00 credits

Prerequisites: Open only to graduate students. Recommended Preparation: ANCS 3343 or CHEM 2241 or CHEM 2443 or one same-level chemistry class.

Grading Basis: Graded

Molecular and cellular basis of muscle food physical features and its related muscle biological events.

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5683. Graduate Teaching Experience

1.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Mentored experience in developing and presenting lectures and/or laboratory activities for existing ANSC undergraduate courses.

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5692. Research

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 24 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Independent research in animal science, livestock production, meats, dairy production, animal nutrition, growth, reproductive physiology, animal breeding, or environmental health.

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5693. Graduate Presentation Skills

1.00 credits

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

A discussion-based class that prepares students to make oral presentations.

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5694. Animal Science Seminar

1.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 2 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

Students present a seminar on the topic of their thesis research.

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5695. Special Topics in Animal Science

1.00 - 6.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 6 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

May be repeated for credit with a change of topic.

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5699. Independent Study

1.00 - 3.00 credits | May be repeated for a total of 12 credits.

Prerequisites: None.

Grading Basis: Graded

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