Introduction to Animal Sciences – WAITLIST

Exploration of the Animal Sciences - Animal Biology to Careers

This course aims to give students an introduction to the animal sciences. Many aspects will be discussed concerning the anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and genetics of livestock animals. Students will also learn about healthy animal behavior and disease diagnosis and evaluation using hands-on techniques. Students will utilize microscopy to evaluate sperm motility and viability for reproductive assessment and Gram staining of microbes important in food safety. Genetics, nutrition, body condition scoring, and forage/feed analysis will also be covered, offering a well-rounded education for those interested in learning more about and caring for livestock animals.

Upon completion, students will have a scientific understanding of the anatomy, behavior, health, breed characteristics, reproduction, and nutrition of livestock animals to ensure that our farm animals live better lives. Students will learn to recognize normal behavior in yearling ewes, dairy heifers, and horses, identify anatomy on demonstration species, and conduct general health exams. Training and education in animal science can prepare you for exciting career opportunities.

UConn Pre-College Summer: Introduction to Animal Sciences

Sessions Offered

Session 2: June 30 - July 6

Format

Residential, Non-Credit

This class is meant to be immersive and students will experience:

  • Identify livestock animal species and breeds managed for food, fiber or work.
  • Compare and contrast the anatomy of different livestock animal species and impacts on locomotion, health and behavior.
  • Evaluate livestock animal reproduction utilizing sperm motility and viability.
  • Demonstrate the use and importance of Gram-staining bacteria related to food safety.
  • Perform an evaluation of body condition, forage quality and diets related to animal nutrition.
  • Assess a diverse array of career opportunities in Animal science.

UConn Pre-College Summer: Introduction to Animal Sciences

UConn Pre-College Summer: Introduction to Animal Sciences

UConn Pre-College Summer: Introduction to Animal Sciences

Schedule at a Glance

 

7am – 9am: Breakfast

9am – 12pm: Class

12pm – 1:30: Lunch

1:30pm – 4pm: Class or Workshop

2:40pm – 4:45pm: Closing Ceremony on Friday

5pm – 7pm: Dinner

7pm – 9pm: Social Programming

10:30pm: Room Checks

Meet the Professor

 

UConn Pre-College Summer: Amy Safran

Amy Safran

Amy Safran earned her BS degree in Animal Science from UConn and continued to a master’s and PhD program in Dairy cattle nutrition at the University of Missouri. Following graduation, she taught for several years as an adjunct instructor in biology and then joined UConn’s Department of Animal Science as a lecturer in August 2012. She currently teaches courses in animal nutrition, companion animal management, sustainable farming practices and hands-on livestock courses. She is also an advisor to Sigma Alpha, Block and Bridle Club and Paws and Claws Club.

UConn Pre-College Summer: Brindhalakshmi

Brindhalakshmi Balasubramanian

Brindhalakshmi is a PhD student working under Dr. Abhinav Upadhyay in the Department of Animal Science. Prior to joining UConn, Brindhalakshmi worked in private industry as a research officer in India, evaluating the efficacy of various plant derived compounds in improving the overall health of animals. Currently, she is working on one of the major foodborne pathogens in the US which is Listeria monocytogenes. Her overall research project is to develop novel intervention strategies to control Listeria monocytogenes on food contact and as well as on food surfaces by employing nanotechnology. Brindhalakshmi’s research interests include microbiology, food safety, nanotechnology (nanobubbles) and microbial proteomics.

 

UConn Pre-College Summer: Divya Joseph

Divya Joseph

Divya Joseph is a third year PhD student working with Dr. Kumar Venkitanarayanan in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Connecticut. Divya has completed her DVM from India and worked as a veterinarian prior to joining the PhD program. Her research interests include food microbiology and safety, antibiotic resistance, and microbial proteomics. More narrowly, her research focus is on developing novel strategies to reduce a major food-borne pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes, and understanding their pathogenesis in humans. As a microbiologist, Divya has also experience working with other nosocomial pathogens and uses techniques such as cell culture, molecular biology, and animal models for her research.

 

 

UConn Pre-College Summer: Leya Viju

Leya Viju

Leya Viju is a third year PhD student working with Dr. Kumar Venkitanarayanan in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Connecticut. Leya has completed her DVM from India and worked as a small animal veterinarian prior to joining the PhD program at UConn. Her research interests include food microbiology and safety, poultry production, microbiome analysis, and molecular genetics. Her research focuses on developing novel preharvest control strategies to reduce major food-borne pathogens including Salmonella Enteritidis and Campylobacter jejuni in broiler chickens.