Animal Science: Writing in Animal Science

Written courses, seminars or topics beyond the scope of existing offerings. See Schedule of Courses for specific titles. Prerequisite: Department Chair permission. May enroll more than once for maximum of fifteen hours.

Pre-req's ASCI 1990 Research Skills or instructor permission. Open to Degree and PACE Students. Special Topics courses cannot carry CC designations

This course is for students interested in research and scholarly writing across the field of Animal Science. The purpose of this course is to develop students’ ability to read, comprehend, and synthesize scientific literature in Animal Science. Topics covered include hypothesis development, correctly crediting references, critical review of scientific literature, identifying knowledge gaps, communicating science to different audiences, and peer review. The class will include lectures, short writing exercises, and group discussions in a Journal Club format.

Students are expected to come to class prepared to participate; in-class discussions and peer feedback are vital components of this course. This includes completing assignments on-time to allow for adequate instructor and peer review prior to subsequent deadlines and reading and annotating assigned papers prior to Journal Club days.

Three primary assessments, 1) a literature review, 2) an extension/popular press article, and 3) a final presentation, and in-class participation will contribute to final grades. The literature review will be written through iterative assignments throughout the semester that cumulatively contribute to the final literature review grade. The in-class participation grade will be based on completion of short writing activities, contribution to class discussions, and providing constructive peer-review.