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AGRI 1020 Syllabus

Course Syllabus

AGRI 1020 - Introduction to Animal Science

3 Credit Hours

Course Information

Course Description:

This course covers fundamental principles of animal agriculture; biological and scientific aspects of development, inheritance, feeding and nutrition; management, animal products, and scope of the industry. 

Course Outcomes:

The objective of this course is to introduce the student to basic concepts and principles of animal science to further prepare them for more advance animal science courses.

  • Develop an understanding of the global nature of animal production and how it ties into national, regional and local production.
  • Become familiar with terminology used in animal science as it relates to the industry, management practices, equipment and animals.
  • Develop an understanding of animal species and breeds that compromise the livestock industry and their relative importance from economic and social perspectives.
  • Become familiar with some of the food and other products derived from animals and animal byproducts.
  • Develop a basic understanding of animal growth, nutrition, reproduction, behavior and genetics.
  • Develop a basic understanding of current management practices as it relates to raising livestock and companion animals. 
Prerequisites & Co-requisites:

None

Course Topics:
  • Overview of Animal Science Industry/Introduction
  • Red Meat Products
  • Poultry/Milk/Wool 
  • Market Class/Carcass Grading
  • Reproduction
  • Reproductive Technologies
  • Genetics & Animal Breeding
  • Nutrients
  • Digestion/Absorption
  • Nutrient Requirements/Growth & Development
  • Lactation
  • Environment
  • Animal Health
  • Animal Behavior
  • Beef Cattle
  • Dairy Cattle
  • Swine
  • Horses
  • Small Ruminants (Goats & Sheep)
  • Poultry
  • Aquaculture
  • Current Events in the Livestock Industry/Careers

All topic modules will include a textbook reading assignment, threaded discussion questions, supplemental reading assignments and website visits.

Specific Course Requirements:

Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements

Required Textbooks:

Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain textbook information for this course. Move your cursor over the "Books" link in the navigation bar and select "Textbooks & Course Materials." Select your Program, Term, Department, and Course; then select "Submit."

Supplementary Materials:

None.

Hardware and Software Requirements:

Minimum hardware requirements can be found here.

Minimum software requirements can be found here.

Common applications you might need:

Web Resources:

Purdue OWL Online Writing Lab (for APA, MLA, or Chicago style)

The Writing Center Online Writer's Handbook

Student Resources:
  • Technical support information can be found on the TN eCampus Help Desk page.
  • Smarthinking virtual tutoring is available FREE of charge. to access Smarthinking, visit the course homepage and select Smarthinking under Course Resources. You also view sample sessions to see what Smarthinking offers and how it works.
  • Information on other student issues or concerns can be located on the TN eCampus Student Resources page.

Instructor Information

Please see "Instructor Information" in the Getting Started Module for instructor contact information, virtual office hours, and other communication information. You can expect to receive a response from the instructor within 24-48 hours unless notified of extenuating circumstances.

Participation, Assessments, & Grading

Testing Procedures:
Course Assignments: Number of Assignments Total Points 
Module 1   
Introductory 2 topics x 10 pts.20 pts.
Discussions   
Discussion 2 topics x 20 pts.40 pts.
Questions   
Module 1 Quiz1 quiz x 30 pts.30 pts.
Module 2   
Discussion 2 topics x 20 pts.40 pts.
Questions   
Module 2 Quiz 1 quiz x 30 pts.30 pts.
Module 3   
Discussion 2 topics x 20 pts.40 pts.
Questions   
Module 3 Quiz 1 quiz x 30 pts.30 pts.
Module 4   
Discussion2 topics x 20 pts.40 pts
Questions   
Module 4 Quizzes 2 quizzes x 20 pts.40 pts.
Module 5   
Discussion 2 topics x 20 pts.40 pts
Questions   
Module 5 Quizzes2 quizzes x 20 pts.40 pts.
Module 6   
Discussion 2 topics x 20 pts.40 pts
Questions   
Module 6 Quiz 1 quiz x 40 pts.40 pts.
Module 7   
Discussion 2 topics x 20 pts.40 pts.
Questions   
Module 7 Quiz 1 quiz x 30 pts.30 pts.
Module 8   
Discussion 2 topics x 20 pts.40 pts.
Questions   
Module 8 Quizzes 2 quizzes x 20 pts. 40 pts.
Module 9   
Discussion 2 topics x 20 pts.40 pts.
Questions  
Module 9 Quizzes2 quizzes x 20 pts.40 pts.
Module 10  
Discussion 2 topics x 20 pts.40 pts.
Questions  
Module 10 Quizzes2 quizzes x 20 pts.40 pts.
TESTS   
Test 1 Modules 1-3 100 pts.
Test 2 Modules 4-5 100 pts.
Test 3 Modules 6-8 100 pts.
Test 4 Modules 9-10 100 pts.
FINAL EXAM Cumulative 200 pts
TOTAL POINTS  1400 pts.

 

Grading Procedures:
  • All topic modules will include a textbook reading assignment, threaded discussion questions, supplemental readings, and website visits. Each module will have 1 or 2 quizzes associated with it.
  • As you complete your work submit the requested materials to the instructor for evaluation. The instructor will evaluate your materials and award you points. 

DISCUSSIONS - 22 topics X 10-20 pts. max. each-- 420 pts. Max Class participation will be evaluated as to your ability to participate in class discussions by making relevant postings to the Class Discussion Board and by responding to other student postings to the Board.

Discussion Board Grades: Each discussion topic is assigned a grade ranging from 0-20. Grades are awarded as follows:

  • 20-18 points: Student completed all segments of the discussion question, cited relevant sources, responses were intelligent, well thought out and pertinent to the assigned materials related to the discussion question.
  • 15-17 points: Student completed all segments of the discussion question, cited some sources, responses were adequate, but not as relevant and well thought out as others.
  • 12-14 points: Student did not complete all segments of the discussion question, may have included sources. Some responses may be adequate, but could have been better and more relevant to discussed materials.
  • 9-11 points: Segments of discussion question were incomplete, sources were not cited. Responses were not adequate but were present on board.
  • <9 points: Discussion question was incomplete, no sources. Inadequate responses.
  • Late Postings are subject to a 5 point deduction from each grade!

QUIZZES - 15 quizzes X 20-40 pts. max. each -- 380 pts. max 

One or two quizzes will be required for each Module. Quiz questions will be related to all assigned relevant materials covered in the module. Quiz questions will be multiple choice, true/false and short answers. Quiz dates will be announced in each module and on the class calendar. They are expected to be completed by the due date. No late quizzes will be accepted.

TESTS - 4 tests X 100 pts. max. each 400 pts. max

Tests will be evaluated as to accuracy and student demonstration of an understanding of the material. Tests will be announced in the Class Calendar and under the Test Module. Test questions will be of the short essay, multiple choice, true false, or completion (short answer) type. Tests will cover materials introduced in the textbook, supplemental reading materials, assigned websites and discussion boards.

FINAL EXAM – 1 Exam X 200 pts. Max. 200 pts. max

The final exam is mandatory and will cover all topics included in all Modules. Test questions will be of the short essay, multiple choice, true/false.

Total Points = 1400 pts. maximum

Grading Scale:

90-100% 1260-1400 points "A"

80-89% 1120-1259 points "B"

70-79% 980-1129 points "C"

60-69% 840-979 points "D"

<60% Less than 840 “F"

Incomplete "I"

An "I" will be assigned to those students unable to complete the course requirements within the specified time allotted as evidenced by proper documentation as to why the materials were not submitted for evaluation.

Assignments and Projects:

Assignments will be given within each topic module and the date due will be on the course calendar.

Class Participation:

You are expected to participate in all interactive aspects of the course. For example, you must communicate with other students via emails and discussion board exchanges. You are expected to communicate with your instructor on a regular basis and check the course frequently for announcements. You must actively participate in threaded discussion events. Students are expected to work at a pace conducive to collaborative learning - that is, don't work too far ahead or too far behind the group. The class is designed to support student interaction. You will be responsible for meeting all deadlines!!!!

Late Policy:

You are encouraged to work at your own pace, however deadlines are placed on threaded discussions, quizzes and tests. You should become familiar with the Class Calendar to determine when materials are due and adjust your study schedule accordingly. Once a deadline has passed you will be "locked out" of the material.

Course Ground Rules

The following two statements (1., 2.) were derived from the TBR System-wide Student Rules document, released January 2012:

RULES OF THE TENNESSEE BOARD OF REGENTS STATE UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM OF TENNESSEE SYSTEMWIDE STUDENT RULES CHAPTER 0240-02-03 STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS

Read the document in its entirety here.

1. Standards of Conduct:

  • Students are required to adhere to the same professional, legal and ethical standards of conduct online as on campus. In addition, students should conform to generally accepted standards of "netiquette" while sending e-mail, posting comments to the discussion board, and while participating in other means of communicating online. Specifically, students should refrain from inappropriate and/or offensive language, comments and actions.

2. Review the TN eCampus Academic Integrity/Academic Honesty Policy:

  • In their academic activities, students are expected to maintain high standards of honesty and integrity. Academic dishonesty is prohibited.

Such conduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • an attempt by one or more students to use unauthorized information in the taking of an exam
  • to submit as one's own work, themes, reports, drawings, laboratory notes, computer programs, or other products prepared by another person,
  • or to knowingly assist another student in obtaining or using unauthorized materials.

Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited.

Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly through participation or assistance, are subject to disciplinary action through the regular procedures of the student’s home institution.  Refer to the student handbook provided by your home institution to review the student conduct policy.

In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed, the instructor has the authority to assign an "F" or zero for an activity or to assign an "F" for the course.

Other Course Rules:

Students are expected to:

  • Participate in all aspects of the course
  • Communicate with other students
  • Learn how to navigate in Brightspace
  • Keep abreast of course announcements
  • Use the assigned course management (Brightspace) email address rather than a personal email address
  • Address technical problems immediately:
  • Observe course netiquette at all times.

Guidelines for Communications

Email:

  • Always include a subject line.
  • Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
  • Use standard fonts.
  • Do not send large attachments without permission.
  • Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
  • Respect the privacy of other class members

Discussions:

  • Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.
  • Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
  • Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other’s ideas.
  • Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
  • Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
  • Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
  • Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.

Library

The Tennessee Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in TN eCampus programs and courses. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading will be included within the course modules. To access the Virtual Library, go to the course homepage and select the Virtual Library link under Course Resources.

Students with Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the right to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this syllabus is for general information purposes only. While we endeavor to keep this information up-to-date and accurate, there may be some discrepancies between this syllabus and the one found in your online course. The syllabus of record is the one found in your online course. Please make sure you read the syllabus in your course at the beginning of the semester. Questions regarding course content should be directed to your instructor.


Last Revised on July 12, 2021