This course is designed to introduce you to the latest research and contemporary practices in animal science, and the challenges and opportunities that this field faces in making livestock production sustainable in the 21st century.
Through online lectures and discussions, delivered through the University of Reading’s Virtual Learning Environment, the course will provide you an overview of the key issues, including producing healthy and safe animal-based foods; using fewer resources; and minimising negative environmental and health impacts associated with livestock production, while maintaining or enhancing the welfare status of the animal. You will explore the ways that animal science offers solutions to each of these problems, and the practical tools that can be developed from advances in scientific research.
After completing the course, you will have developed a well-rounded knowledge of animal science, its latest advances, and the ways that these can be applied to current problems facing livestock production in the UK and beyond. This would be of obvious practical use to those working with livestock at any point in the supply chain, but would also be of benefit to any industry professionals looking to develop their understanding of animal science and its role in modern livestock production systems.
This module is availabe for CPD (£450) or for credit (£700).. Modules taken as CPD can later be converted to credit for a fee of £250.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Topics within this course will include:
The course will be assessed by written coursework and a screencast/ online presentation. The report will review the contribution that different scientific interventions can make to improve the sustainability of livestock production. This would comprise 70% of the overall course assessment. An online presentation (screencast) will be prepared that will evaluate the challenges and opportunities associated with one such intervention. This will be uploaded for viewing by peers and academic staff as part of an online conference/discussion. The presentation and the contributions made to the online discussion will comprise the remaining 30% of the overall course mark.
Dr Rachel Neal
AgriFood Training Partnership
The University of Reading
PO Box 226, Whiteknights
Reading RG6 6AP
T. +44 (0)330 333 4530
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