威斯康星大學麥迪遜分校

The department emphasizes in vivo and in vitro studies that probe relationships at a fundamental mechanistic level as well as addressing current practical issues in animal agriculture. Studies may often employ the use of livestock or laboratory animals, or both, as subjects. Development of an individual course of study is flexible in order to meet the needs of students with varied interests. Graduates find employment in academic teaching and research, in professional veterinary or medical degree programs, in industrial research in the food and feed industries, in laboratory research programs with governmental and international agencies, private corporations, and in industrial or institutional management positions requiring a high level of scientific training.

The department is based in the Animal Sciences Building, which contains facilities for teaching and research, including a Computing and Biometry Laboratory and the Biological and Biomaterials Preparation Imaging and Characterization Facility. Nearby are the Livestock Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility, and the Muscle Biology Laboratory. Teaching, research, and project assistantships are available to qualified students. Fellowships, scholarships, and traineeship awards are available from federal training programs, research grants, gifts and trusts, and special program funds.

RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS

Students may choose to focus on the areas of: nutrition, rumen microbiology, aquaculture, reproductive physiology–endocrinology, genetics, animal breeding, muscle biology, meat science, cell biology, animal health, immunity and toxicology, or international agriculture. Considerable opportunity for study exists in joint programs with bacteriology, toxicology, biochemistry, the interdepartmental graduate program in nutritional sciences, genetics, endocrinology, reproductive physiology training program, food science, physiology, agricultural and applied economics, biometry, cellular and molecular biology, pharmaceutical sciences, chemical and biological engineering, bio engineering, comparative biosciences and anatomy.

The area of nutrition involves a joint degree with the Department of Animal Sciences and either the Department of Nutritional Sciences or the Department of Biochemistry. Usually, students work with professors from both departments so fundamental concepts complement practical applications.

Ruminant nutrition candidates often minor or have a joint major in the Department of Bacteriology. Nutritional research ranges from field studies to laboratory biochemical studies.

These studies include mechanism of gene action, physiological genetics, in vitro maturation, fertilization, embryo development, cloning and gene transfer, neuroendocrinology, and the environmental and genetic control of puberty and postpartum anestrus.

The genetics–animal breeding focus includes a variety of areas from immunogenetics and molecular genetics to quantitative and population genetics. The animal breeding program seeks to develop, evaluate, and apply classical, quantitative, biochemical, and physiological genetics toward improving animal breeding techniques.

Learning Outcomes

Articulates, critiques, or elaborates the theories, research methods, and approaches to inquiry or schools of practice in the field of study.

Identifies sources and assembles evidence pertaining to questions or challenges in the field of study.

Demonstrates understanding of the primary field of study in a historical, social, and global context.

Selects and/or utilizes the most appropriate methodologies and practices.

Evaluates or synthesizes information pertaining to questions or challenges in the field of study.

Communicates clearly in ways appropriate to the field of study.

Recognizes and applies principles of ethical and professional conduct.