APMA114-Contemporary Issues in Animal Science

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Rachael Neal
Email: r.a.neal@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

You’ll gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of some of the challenges and opportunities that animal science faces in making livestock production sustainable in the 21st century including animal welfare, antimicrobial resistance, use of precision livestock farming technologies, environmental impact of livestock production and animal product composition in relation to human health. This distance learning module is available to students enrolled on the distance learning MSc by Research in Animal Science and the Advanced Training Partnership programmes and comprises a series of interactive, online sessions and discussions.

This online learning module is available to students on the following modes of study: students enrolled on the distance learning MSc by research in Animal Science programme; students enrolled on AgriFood Training Partnership programmes; students wishing to undertake independent study on a modular basis; students engaged in continuing professional development (CPD), taken as a stand-alone module with or without assessment. Students wishing to take the course as part of an unassessed CPD programme should ensure that they are enrolled on the CPD version of the module (APMA514).

Aims:

To provide an overview of the major challenges currently facing livestock production and an in depth knowledge and understanding of the fundamental and applied science which may be used to address key issues associated with livestock production.ÌýÌý

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will be able to:

• Critically evaluate the key issues facing livestock production in the 21st century


• Critically evaluate the challenges and opportunities facing applied animal science research in addressing these issues

Additional outcomes:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between fundamental and applied science


• Use appropriate tools to identify reliable information and literature on a given topic


• Communicate research findings clearly


• Demonstrate good academic practice in the use, citation and referencing of source material

Outline content:

Topics within this module will include:

• Reducing the environmental footprint of livestock production


• Management of animal health: addressing antibiotic and anthelmintic resistance


• The role of the gut microbiome and the animal metabolome in livestock production and health


• Issues in animal welfare science


• Precision livestock farming


• Animal products and human health

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Each topic will be introduced with some interactive online material and downloadable materials.Ìý There will be a series of online discussions and exercises to support learning.Ìý An online presentation by each student will form the basis of discussion at the end of the module, and form part of the assessment of the module.