Module Identifier RS36020  
Module Title ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE  
Academic Year 2002/2003  
Co-ordinator Dr Basil T Wolf  
Semester Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)  
Other staff Dr Michael T Rose, Dr Neil F G Beck, Dr Selwyn P Williams, Professor William Haresign  
Pre-Requisite RS22920  
Course delivery Lecture   30 Hours 22 x 1 hour lectures in Semester 1; 8 x 1 hours in Semester 2  
  Seminars / Tutorials   15 Hours 5 x 3 hours  
Assessment Semester Exam   3 Hours Written examination Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4   60%  
  Semester Assessment   Seminar presentation Outcomes assessed:1, 2, 3, 4   40%  
  Supplementary Exam   3 Hours Written examination   60%  
  Supplementary Assessment   Seminar presentation   40%  

Learning outcomes

1.   Analyse the components of animal production systems
2. Review and evaluate scientific literature and apply results to the development of animal production systems
3. Explain how modern technology can be harnessed to improve farm animal reproduction, growth,
development and lactation.
4.   Discuss applications of animal production technologies in a wider ethical and social context.

Brief description

Lectures and seminars cover aspects of systems analysis in animal production and applications to the research based development of current farming practices. Specialist lectures and seminars will cover meat science, environmental physiology and animal biotechnology including in vitro fertilisation, embryo manipulation, immuno-modulation and hormonal manipulation of reproduction, lactation and growth, management of fertility, production of transgenic animals and use of gene technologies in animal breeding.

Aims

The module aims to develop skills in the review and evaluation of scientific literature, in oral presentation, and in the analysis of animal production systems and the application of research to their development through the manipulation of nutrition, genetics, reproduction, growth and lactation.

Transferable skills

.2 IT and information handling
The use of powerpoint in the preparation and delivery of seminar material will be developed and assessed

.3 Use and analysis of numerical information
The ability to evaluate numerical information from scientific reports will be developed.

.4 Writing in an academic context
Developed and assessed by assignment and examination

.5 Oral discussion and presentation
Evaluation of a seminar presentation

Reading Lists

Books
Biotechnical Innovations and Animal Technology. Biotol Series
Cronje. (2001) Ruminant physiology: digestion, metabolism, growth and reproduction. CABI
Gordon I. (1995) Laboratory production of cattle embryos.
Murray, Anderson, Oberbayer and McLaughlin. Transgenic animals in agriculture. CABI

Journals
Selected papers from scientific journals.