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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

May be repeated for credit with a change of topic.