Animal & Dairy Science: Academic Programs: Course Syllabi
ADSC 4010
Issues in Animal Agriculture
Spring 2003
Instructors:
- C. W. Foley
- Robyn Sapp
Course Objectives:
- Examine the impact of animal agriculture on society and the environment
- Evaluate conflicting viewpoints on animal production and social concerns
- Enhance the ability of students to formulate science based decisions on animal issues
- Develop student skills in communication
Course Content:
- Review of major issues affecting animal agriculture
- Guest speakers on animal issues
- Issues related to employment in Animal Science
- Individual presentations by students
- Group presentations and discussions by students
- Instruction on working with media
Grades:
| Resume/Interview | 10% |
| Midterm exam | 25% |
| Final | 25% |
| Individual Presentations | 25% |
| Other reports and assignments | 15% |
Attendance and Assignments:
Since much of this class involves guest speakers, presentations and group assignments class attendance is an important part of this course. Each three (3) absences from lab sessions may result in the loss of one (1) letter grade. Excused absences require prior approval or a written note from a doctor.
During the semester each student will turn in two (2) current articles from popular press sources on an animal related issue with a brief commentary on the article. These may come from current (after Jan. 1, 2002) newspapers or magazines. Reports off webpages, other than current news articles, are not acceptable. Due before April 8.
Unexcused failure to give a presentation on schedule will result in a grade of zero for that assignment. Unexcused failure to turn in a paper on time will result in a 10% reduction in grade for each day late.
Resume:
Students will prepare and turn in a resume. Due January 28.
Interview:
Students will take a copy of their resume and a job description to Career Planning and Placement in Clark Howell Hall and make an appointment for a mock interview. Following the mock interview students will turn in a copy of the evaluation sheet for credit. Interviews must be completed by April 17.
Individual presentations:
Each student will prepare and give to the class a 12 to 15 minute presentation. This presentation will address an animal science topic and information will come primarily from scientific literature. Topics should be narrow enough to be adequately covered in 12 to 15 minutes and information presented should be based on documented research. A written abstract or summary is due at the time of presentation. This summary should be not over 2 pages in length excluding bibliography (Typed, double spaced, 1 inch margins, 12 point font). The bibliography must include at least three (3) refereed journal articles and they must be referenced in the oral presentation. Students are required to develop visual aids for use in the presentation. Grade will be based on presentation, technical content, coverage of subject, use of visuals and quality of written summary.
Group presentations:
Each student will be assigned to a group of 3 to 5. The group will select a topic, research the topic and prepare a 20 minute presentation for the class. Topics will be current issues and students are encouraged to use innovative, creative, and entertaining presentation methods. Groups should present more than one viewpoint on the issue. All students in the group are expected to participate. Part of a studentås grade will be based on the groupås effectiveness and part will be based on individual contribution to the presentation. Technical content will be considered in grading as well as quality of presentation.
Exams:
Tests may cover any material covered in class by the instructor or guest speakers. Any handouts or assigned reading is testable material.
- Midterm - March 13
- Final (comprehensive) - May 8
- Short announced exams may be given