Course Syllabus

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ADVS-1110-Introduction to Animal Science

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Instructor

Justin Jenson
435-881-6443
jusitn.jenson@usu.edu

TA:  Sumira Phatak:  sumira.phatak@aggiemail.usu.edu   /    Brady Hickerson:  brady.hickerson@aggiemail.usu.edu

OFFICE HOURS:

By appointment in AGRS #251 or Caine Dairy Center (Wellsville) #104

COURSE DESCRIPTION, GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND ASSESSMENT TOOLS:

Course Description

The influence and contributions of animal production and its commodities to society.  Introductory scientific principles of animal science, livestock production systems, and contemporary issues. (4 credits)

 

Course Goals

For the reason that the life science of animal agriculture affects everyone, every day, the overall goals of this course are for students to:

  • Gain factual knowledge (terminology, classifications, and methods) about animal science.
  • Learn fundamental principles, generalizations and theories concerning the basics of animal science.
  • Learn to apply acquired animal science knowledge to improve rational thinking and problem solving.
  • Develop skill in communicating Science based solutions both orally and in writing.

Objectives and Assessment Tools

  • Objective 1: Students will learn proper terminology used with common farm and companion animals and their care.
    • Assessment Tools: Quizzes, Discussions, Midterm Exam
  • Objective 2: Students will learn about products from animals used by humans including food, fiber, and pharmaceuticals.
    • Assessment Tools: Quizzes, Discussions, Midterm Exam
  • Objective 3: Students will learn methods of product harvest and quality classifications of products.
    • Assessment Tools: Quizzes, Discussions, Midterm Exam.
  • Objective 4: Students will analyze problems in genetics, reproduction, nutrition and health of animals.
    • Assessment Tools: Quizzes, Discussions, Final Exam.

COURSE RESOURCES:

Course Technology Requirements

Canvas is where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course.

Textbook

The text for this class is:  Scientific Farm Animal Production-An Introduction to Animal Science by Field & Taylor, tenth edition, published by Pearson Prentice Hall, ISDN#0-13-244736-3. 
You may purchase this book at the USU bookstore or online. Ninth edition will work but tenth edition preferable.

 

COURSE ACTIVITIES:

Readings

You should read the textbook chapters. You will be accountable for reading materials and assessed for comprehension through discussions, and quizzes.

Presentations

For most topics there will be powerpoint presentations available on CANVAS which coincides to a large extent with textbook information.

 

Quizzes

There will be required weekly quizzes. These quizzes will consist of approximately ten multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, matching, true/false and short essay questions based on the readings and presentations. You are expected to complete all readings and view the presentation before you take the quiz.  You will be allowed to take each quiz one time.  Your lowest quiz score will be dropped. 

Discussions

Classroom discussion is highly encouraged.  Please ask questions about course content you aren't familiar with or do not understand. 

Assignments

There will be three Assignments for this course:

  • Personal Introduction
  • Animal Genetics 101
  • IDEA Course Evaluation

Complete information on these activities is available on Canvas. Please refer to the “Syllabus” in Canvas section for the Assignment point values.
Late submissions will not be accepted.

COURSE GRADING:

Your grade is based on performance of course components and possible points.

Component Percentages

  • Assignments               5%
  • Quizzes                      30%
  • Exams                         65%
  • Extra Credit               +5% possible
  • Extra Credit will be given for your attendance/participation at events where you will likely learn something about animal science.  Examples are:  seminars, internship reports, research symposiums, industry meetings, USU animal related club activities.  I will give one percent extra credit for each 3 hours spent at such activities.  You may ask about these opportunities at any time during the semester and you will get credit by sending me a short report on the event including the following information:  date and time, location, who sponsored the event or owned the establishment where you were and a paragraph on what you learned.  I will not give extra credit for what you do for credit in other animal science classes.
  • The points earned (before extra credit) by the high student in the class will become 100%.  So, if the high in the class after the final exam is 96%, then I will add 4% to each student's final percentage, then add extra credit, and finally assign a letter grade as listed below:

GRADE PERCENTAGE

  • A           100% - 93%           
  • A-        < 93% - 90%            
  • B+       < 90% – 87%           
  • B         < 87% – 83%           
  • B-        < 83% - 80%
  • C+       < 80% - 77%            
  • C          < 77% - 73%            
  • C-        < 73% - 70%            
  • D         < 70% - 60%            
  • F          < 60 %                      

COURSE POLICIES:

Withdrawal Policy and “I” Grade Policy

Students are required to complete all courses for which they are registered by the end of the semester. In some cases, a student may be unable to complete all of the coursework because of extenuating circumstances, but not due to poor performance or to retain financial aid. The term 'extenuating' circumstances includes:

  • Incapacitating illness which prevents a student from attending classes for a minimum period of two weeks,
  • A death in the immediate family,
  • Financial responsibilities requiring a student to alter a work schedule to secure employment,
  • Change in work schedule as required by an employer,
  • Other emergencies deemed appropriate by the instructor. (http://www.usu.edu/policies/pdf/Incomplete-Grade.pdf)

Communication

All communication will be disseminated from Canvas or during class time. I will use Announcements in Canvas to communicate high priority and timely information. You must set your notification preferences in Canvas to receive Announcements and Conversation Messages to ASAP by and email, cell phone for text messages, or other social networking services of your choice.

Instructor Feedback/Communication

I will provide timely assignment feedback through comments and personal conversations on Canvas.  Please make an appointment to see me in my office if you have questions beyond what we discuss in class.

Student Feedback/Communication

I welcome all feedback on the course. My preferred method of communication with individual students is via Canvas Inbox/Conversations. I will respond to email within two week days (Monday – Friday). If you experience a legitimate emergency (according to my standards) that will prevent you from completing required coursework on time, I expect you to communicate with me at the earliest reasonable opportunity. Canvas will track communication between students and teachers providing date and time stamps.  Please state the nature of the emergency, and when you expect to turn in the coursework.

Course Etiquette

Any successful learning experience requires mutual respect on the part of the student and the instructor. Neither instructor nor student should be subject to others’ behavior that is rude, disruptive, intimidating, or demeaning. The instructor has primary responsibility for and control over classroom behavior and maintenance of academic integrity.

Instructor Responsibilities

  • Treat all students with courtesy and respect.
  • Be open to constructive input from students in the course.
  • Ensure that opportunities to participate are shared equally by all students in the class.

Student Responsibilities

  • In discussions use courteous, respectful language and keep comments and questions relevant to the topic.
  • Read and comprehend chapters in the textbook, view powerpoints, ask appropriate questions.

Syllabus Changes

This syllabus is subject to change. I will notify the class regarding all changes. In the event of any discrepancy between this syllabus and content found in Canvas, the information in CANVAS WILL TAKE PRECEDENCE.

Submitting Electronic Files

All electronic files must be submitted in word(.doc, .docx) or rich text file (.rtf) format, unless otherwise stated. Please name your file in the using the following convention: Assignmentname_Yourname.doc. 
Files in formats other than doc, docx, rtf and/or without the proper naming convention (or at least a reasonable attempt) will be returned to the student and additional handling charges (lost points) may apply.

Course Fees

There is a $30 fees associated with this course.

Late Work

Late work due to procrastination will not be accepted. Late work due to legitimate emergency may be accepted. The due date and time associated with each quiz, discussion, exam and assignment are stated clearly in Canvas.

UNIVERSITY POLICIES & PROCEDURES

Academic Freedom and Professional Responsibilities

Academic freedom is the right to teach, study, discuss, investigate, discover, create, and publish freely. Academic freedom protects the rights of faculty members in teaching and of students in learning. Freedom in research is fundamental to the advancement of truth. Faculty members are entitled to full freedom in teaching, research, and creative activities, subject to the limitations imposed by professional responsibility. Faculty Code Policy #403 further defines academic freedom and professional responsibilities.

Academic Integrity – "The Honor System"

Each student has the right and duty to pursue his or her academic experience free of dishonesty. The Honor System is designed to establish the higher level of conduct expected and required of all Utah State University students.
The Honor Pledge: To enhance the learning environment at Utah State University and to develop student academic integrity, each student agrees to the following Honor Pledge:
"I pledge, on my honor, to conduct myself with the foremost level of academic integrity."
A student who lives by the Honor Pledge is a student who does more than not cheat, falsify, or plagiarize. A student who lives by the Honor Pledge:

  • Espouses academic integrity as an underlying and essential principle of the Utah State University community;
  • Understands that each act of academic dishonesty devalues every degree that is awarded by this institution; and
  • Is a welcomed and valued member of Utah State University.

Academic Dishonesty

The instructor of this course will take appropriate actions in response to Academic Dishonesty, as defined the University’s Student Code.  Acts of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to:

  • Cheating: using, attempting to use, or providing others with any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, examinations, or in any other academic exercise or activity.  Unauthorized assistance includes:
    • Working in a group when the instructor has designated that the quiz, test, examination, or any other academic exercise or activity be done “individually;”
    • Depending on the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments;
    • Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for oneself, in taking an examination or preparing academic work;
    • Acquiring tests or other academic material belonging to a faculty member, staff member, or another student without express permission;
    • Continuing to write after time has been called on a quiz, test, examination, or any other academic exercise or activity;
    • Submitting substantially the same work for credit in more than one class, except with prior approval of the instructor; or engaging in any form of research fraud.
  • Falsification: altering or fabricating any information or citation in an academic exercise or activity.
  • Plagiarism: representing, by paraphrase or direct quotation, the published or unpublished work of another person as one‘s own in any academic exercise or activity without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes using materials prepared by another person or by an agency engaged in the sale of term papers or other academic materials.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is defined by the Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as any "unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature." If you feel you are a victim of sexual harassment, you may talk to or file a complaint with the Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Office located in Old Main, Room 161, or call the AA/EEO Office at (435) 797-1266.

Withdrawal Policy and "I" Grade Policy

Students are required to complete all courses for which they are registered by the end of the semester. In some cases, a student may be unable to complete all of the coursework because of extenuating circumstances, but not due to poor performance or to retain financial aid. The term ‘extenuating’ circumstances includes: (1) incapacitating illness which prevents a student from attending classes for a minimum period of two weeks, (2) a death in the immediate family, (3) financial responsibilities requiring a student to alter a work schedule to secure employment, (4) change in work schedule as required by an employer, or (5) other emergencies deemed appropriate by the instructor.

Students with Disabilities

Students with ADA-documented physical, sensory, emotional or medical impairments may be eligible for reasonable accommodations. Veterans may also be eligible for services. All accommodations are coordinated through the Disability Resource Center (DRC). Please contact the DRC prior to or as early in the semester as possible. Alternate formats for course content are available with advanced notice. 
Contacting the Disability Resource Center (DRC):

Disability related resources for current students:

Diversity Statement

Regardless of intent, careless or ill-informed remarks can be offensive and hurtful to others and detract from the learning climate. If you feel uncomfortable in a classroom due to offensive language or actions by an instructor or student(s) regarding ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, contact:

You can learn about your student rights by visiting:
The Code of Policies and Procedures for Students at Utah State University: http://www.usu.edu/studentservices/studentcode/

Grievance Process

Students who feel they have been unfairly treated may file a grievance through the channels and procedures described in the Student Code: Article VII. Grievances.

Full details for USU Academic Policies and Procedures can be found at:

Emergency Procedures

In the case of a drill or real emergency, classes will be notified to evacuate the building by the sound of the fire/emergency alarm system or by a building representative. In the event of a disaster that may interfere with either notification, evacuate as the situation dictates (i.e., in an earthquake when shaking ceases or immediately when a fire is discovered). Turn off computers and take any personal items with you. Elevators should not be used; instead, use the closest stairs.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due