APMA514-Contemporary Issues in Animal Science- CPD

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 0 [0 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

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

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This distance learning module aims to develop in students an in depth knowledge and understanding of a variety of aspects associated with animal science, and the challenges and opportunities that animal science faces in making livestock production sustainable in the 21st century.  Using a series of interactive, online sessions and discussions, it examines key issues facing livestock production (producing healthy and safe animal based foods, using fewer resources, minimising negative environmental and health impacts associated with livestock production, while maintaining or enhancing the welfare status of the animal), and it explores the means by which advances in animal science may help to address these issues.  

Aims:

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

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

Outline content:

Topics within this module will include:

• Animal products and human health


• Evaluation of animal product quality


• Reducing the environmental footprint of livestock production


• Addressing antimicrobial and anthelmintic resistance in livestock production


• Precision livestock farming


• Assessing ‘real welfare’


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

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Each topic will be introduced with some interactive online material and downloadable materials.  There will be a series of online discussions and exercises to support learning.  

Summative assessment- Examinations:

There is no assessment on this module.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There is no assessment on this module.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

There is no assessment on this module.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

There is no assessment on this module.

Reassessment arrangements:

There is no assessment on this module.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 30 March 2023