📝 Syllabus: Animal Science ASCI-012-SPH01

Title of Course: Animal Science

Title of Course: Introduction to Animal Science
Section Number: ASCI-012-L01
Semester Taught: Spring 2024 10 Weeks
Location/Modality: 100% Online
Meeting Time:
- 100% Online Assignments and Lectures

IMPORTANT DATES:

- Last Day to Add: 02-28-2025
- First Day to Drop: 02-24-2025
- Last Day to Drop without a Grade: 03-10-2025
- Last Day to Drop with a Grade: 04-25-202

Course Description

ASCI 012 is a scientific approach to the livestock industry encompassing aspects of animal anatomy, physiology, nutrition, genetics, and epidemiology. Emphasis on the origin, characteristics, adaptation and contributions of livestock to the modern agriculture industry. Field trips may be required.

Units: 3 units Class Hours: 54 Lecture Transfers to: UC/CSU

Instructor Information

Full Name: Anthony M. Farao
WHCCD email: AnthonyFarao@whccd.edu
Office or Department Phone: 559-925-3222
Office Hour Day/Time/Location:

Requisites & Advisories

No Requisites or Advisories

Course Student Learning Outcomes

ASCI001 CSLO 1: Students will be able to defend an opinion relative to the agricultural practice of raising animals for human use.

ASCI001 CSLO 2: Students will be able to outline animal agriculture practices that promote animal well-being, production efficiency, environmental stewardship, and consumer acceptance.

ASCI001 CSLO3: Students will be able to convey to others a knowledge of the range of contributions that domestic farm animals make to human well-being.

Course Objectives

1. Identify animal contributions to the development of human civilizations.
2. Describe economically significant breeds of animals and their unique adaptations.
3. Describe the function of major body systems.
4. Identify reproductive cycles and biotechnological principles of animal reproduction.
5. Analyze genetic change through artificial/natural selection.
6. Discuss nutritional needs for various body functions.
7. Describe animal behavior as it relates to animal domestication, health, and performance.
8. Explain basic strategies for disease control, prevention, and management.
9. Utilize the scientific method to collect data, calculate production parameters, and make scientifically-based management decisions.
10. Identify and discuss current issues affecting animal agriculture.

Required Text & Materials

Beierliein, James et. al
Principles of Agribusiness Management
Waveland Press Inc. 5th edition, 2014 9781478605669

Jones, G. and George, J.
Contemporary Management
McGraw-Hill Education; 11th edition January 4, 2019 1260565734

Attendance Policy

Attendance is critical to the successful completion of this class. Roll will be taken at each class meeting. When a student misses more than the equivalent of two weeks of an eighteen-week course, it will be assumed that student has dropped the course. Two tardies will be considered one absence. Absences will affect your participation points. It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw from a class if that becomes necessary; do not rely on the instructor to drop you. Failing to do so may result in a failing grade being assigned at the completion of the semester.

Students who feel an absence should be excused should provide documentation to support their claims. All students are expected to be on time with all the material necessary to complete the day’s assignment. This preparation includes reviewing the material scheduled for the day in advance. The instructor’s responsibility is to review the material presented in the textbook/book with the class and to supplement that material when possible. The instructor can also answer questions to clarify the material when necessary. Students are expected to ask questions to clear up any material he/ she find confusing and to ask the instructor for help when needed. In the case that a student misses a class. It is the student’s responsibility to contact either the instructor or a fellow student to determine what he/she missed in class and what work needs to be made up.

Grade Determination & Grade Cutoffs

Exams

Tests in class will usually be closed book using no notes. If a calculator is required for a test, it must be a calculator, not a phone, IPod or anything else. Low scores given for cheating will not be dropped! A student may be asked to verify his/her identity at anytime during the class.

Homework

Homework will only be considered on time if it is submitted in the requested manner. Your name must be clearly written in the format Last Name, First Name to receive credit. The name must match the name on the class roster. Each assignment will have varying instructions; if asked the instructor will clarify an assignment. If you do not understand an assignment, you must clarify by asking appropriate questions. As stated above, there is a 50% point deduction for late assignments. Assignments can only be graded through Canvas. All assignments should be uploaded to Canvas unless otherwise directed to turn it in in an alternative fashion.

In Class Submission

All assignments that are to be submitted in class must be turned in at the beginning of the class, stapled in the upper left-hand corner, and in order. Turning in a non-stapled assignment or an out of order assignment will result in the student receiving no credit. The assignment must still be submitted on Canvas as well.

Discussion Board/Participation:

Students are graded for participating in class discussions and on the discussion board. This is a college course; therefore, comments should be respectful and intelligent. The discussion board may not be utilized as a “chat room”. There will be no personal conversations or inappropriate remarks made; such discussion will be grounds for immediate dismissal from the course.

The final grade will be determined by points received divided by points possible, which will represent your percentage. From there, the following scale will be used to determine your letter grade:

A = 90 – 100%

B = 80 – 89%

C = 70 – 79%

D = 60 – 69%

F = below 60%

On most assignments, there is a 50% deduction for late assignments.

All assignments are subject to verbal verification. Meaning that the instructor may deem it necessary for you to explain the answers to an assignment verbally.

Learning Activities Schedule & CSLO Correlation

Course Outline

A. Introduction to Animal Agriculture

1. Career opportunities
2. Importance of livestock to the world and the United States
3. Economic importance to agriculture
4. Animal contribution to human needs
5. Ethnic and cultural contributions to animal domestication

B. Unique adaptations of various species

1. Natural selection vs artificial selection
2. Meat animal use and production
3. Fiber production
4. Dairy production
5. Recreational and companionship use of animals

C. Anatomy and physiology

1. Identification of external anatomy for various species
2. Analysis of body systems – reproductive, respiratory, digestive, immune, circulatory

D. Animal reproduction

1. Animal breeding systems
2. Reproductive management and technology
3. Fertility assessment

E. Genetics

1. Introduction and review of genetic principles
2. Gene modification and genetic interactions
3. Genetic improvement and variation
4. Inheritance and population genetics

F. Nutrition

1. Classes of nutrients
2. Feed identification and composition
3. Livestock feeding management practices

G. Animal health

1. Biosecurity
2. Vital signs
3. Indications of health vs disease
4. Common diseases

H. The scientific method

1. Research in animal agriculture
2. Developing a research model
3. Humane treatment of research animals

I. Issues affecting the animal industry

1. Animal welfare issue
2. Advances in biotechnology
3. Government and environmental concerns
4. Food safety
5. Public policy and consumer awareness

Homework Policy

All homework is due on or before the due date. Assignment can be submitted late, but they will lose points. Work submitted after the due date but before the cut-off date will receive a 50% reduction in the grade received.
Work is only accepted through Canvas LMS. If you are having issues with Canvas, please email your professor/instructor; they will gladly assist you.

Late Work Policy

Late work is accepted up until the cut-off date. Assignments received on or before the due date can expect to be graded out of the full scope of points. Assignments received after the due date but before the cut-off date will be subject to a 50% reduction in points per assignment.

Makeup Policy

The only work that can be made up is for those absences that were unforeseeable and evidence for that issue is brought to the instructor in a reasonable amount of time for the instructor to review and make a decision.

Academic Honesty Policy

Lemoore College Academic Honesty Policy: https://westhillscollege.com/lemoore/about/academic-senate/academic-honesty.php

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI language models, such as ChatGPT, are welcomed in this class, provided you cite when and how you use the tool. You will be provided with examples of how to cite your use of this tool in your writing. Failure to do so will violate Lemoore College’s Academic Honesty Policy and will be addressed accordingly. Please note: If an AI language model is used for an assignment, information should be assessed for reliability prior to use. Any and all assignments/assessments are subject to verbal verification with an instructor.

American Disabilities Act

The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Lemoore College makes reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please visit the Disabled Students Program and Services (DSPS) office at the Lemoore campus in room 270B or call (559) 925-3330 or visit https://tinyurl.com/WHCL-DSPS

For additional information scan the QR code below.

Mental Wellness Statement

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learn. These might include strained relationships, anxiety, high levels of stress, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, or loss of motivation.

Lemoore College is here to help with these or other issues you may experience. You can learn about the free, confidential counseling services available at this link https://tinyurl.com/WHCL-mental-wellness or request to meet with a therapist at this link https://tinyurl.com/WHCL-Confidential-Counseling

Classroom/Zoom Etiquette Policy

Classroom Policy/ Zoom Etiquette:

Students will join the virtual Zoom classroom ready to learn, muted, keeping camera on when needed, appropriately dressed, sitting in a suitable setting (keeping yourself in frame only), and focused on your studies. Our class time is important to your learning and your privacy, being that we are virtual remember to share only what is relevant within your screen frame. You will need to be prepared to listen to new study tips, complete digital agendas, and bring in your work from your other classes to complete during your time in class. Please limit distractions during our virtual class time. This is a time to focus and complete your work. I will assist you throughout class time with completing and submitting assignments.

Email and Communication Policy

If you are emailing your instructor, it is important to remember the following:

Include the class and section number in the subject line
Include your name and student ID in the email
Remember to explain in writing what it is that you need
Make sure that you read and edit your email before sending

When responding to peers, it is important to remember the following:

Be mindful of your personal safety, avoiding including personal information, such as phone numbers or addresses in discussions
Be thoughtful and responsive in a positive, supportive, and respectful manner verbally and in writing
Do not use profanities or any inappropriate language verbally or in writing

Canvas/Netiquette Guidelines

Behind Every Name, There is a Person

Respect the privacy of your classmates and what they share in class.
Ask classmates for clarification if you find a discussion posting offensive or difficult to understand.
Avoid sweeping generalizations. Back up your stated opinions with facts and reliable sources.
Understand that we may disagree and that exposure to other people’s opinions is part of the learning experience.
Be respectful of each other. We’re all in this together. Before posting a comment, ask whether you would be willing to make the same comment to a person’s face.
Keep in mind that everything you write, indeed every click of your mouse is recorded on the network server. On the Internet, there are no take-backs.
Keep in mind that you are taking a college class. Something that would be inappropriate in a traditional classroom is also inappropriate in an online classroom.

Online Communication

Be aware that typing in all capital letters indicates SHOUTING.
Be careful with humor and sarcasm. Both can easily be misunderstood!
Review all discussion postings before posting your own to prevent redundancy.
Check your writing for errors by reviewing what you’ve written before submitting it.
Acronyms (LOL, etc.) and emoticons are commonly used online but be careful not to overuse them.
Many communications with your instructor or fellow students are best handled through email. Only post on the classroom discussion board if the conversation is relevant to others in the class.

Student Support Services

ACCESSIBILITY: https://westhillscollege.com/disclosure/accessibility.php

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Canvas Student Guides

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24/7 Canvas Chat Support (LIVE)

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Student Support and Services QR Codes

Inclusivity & Diversity Statements

“West Hills College Lemoore is dedicated to student learning and achievement by providing quality programs, pathways, and services that lead to certificates, associate degrees, transfer, and employment...”

Equitable practices are sustainable, institutional practices that recognize and remove barriers for impacted students and that are designed to reduce or eliminate equity gaps in student outcomes...

Transparency in teaching and learning through helping students clearly understand the expectations, outcomes, relevancy, and skills
Data disaggregation and analysis as a regular practice
Including diverse student and employee voices in the development and refinement of policies and practices
Engaging family and communities in the support of students
Identifying and removing systemic barriers to student success along the educational pathway
Intentional professional development to support equitable practices
Strategic case management and sharing of information across the college to provide a holistic support to students
Providing equitable access to services
Identifying and implementing equity-minded hiring practices

Syllabus Disclaimer

Errors found within the syllabus, assignments, or course generally do not negate my intent as the instructor...

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