ANSC 3920 - Mechanisms of Animal Growth and Development

Spring. 2 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisites: ANSC 1100–ANSC 1160 or equivalent introductory physiology courses.

Q. Long and Y. Boisclair.

A course on the basic biology of animal growth and development. The course employs model systems (cell culture, fish, and mice) to examine cellular and molecular mechanisms of animal growth and development, and farm animals to discuss whole-animal growth patterns and applications of new technologies. Lectures cover (1) patterns of whole-animal growth during fetal and postnatal life; (2) molecular and cellular basis of formation and development of skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and bone; (3) regulation of growth and development by hormones and growth factors; and (4) emerging molecular technologies and whole-genome approaches for improving growth and meat quality.