ANSC 3900 - Animal Welfare Science Journal Club

Spring. 1 credit. Student option grading.

Prerequisite: ANSC 2300 or ANSC 3100. Co-meets with ANSC 5900.

L. Goodale.

This course will provide students with an opportunity to select, critically evaluate, and discuss current scientific literature and to expand their understanding of the science of animal welfare. Students will meet once a week with the instructor for a journal club-style discussion. Papers will be selected by that week’s student presenter (and approved by the instructor) from a provided list of current issues of several animal welfare journals. Group discussions will focus on the merits of the research presented, validity and relevance of the findings, and the significance of the work in the field. Two structured lectures will begin the course and will cover topics including: choosing a scientific article, evaluating study design, interpreting figures, basic statistics, and how to present in a journal club setting.

Outcome 1: Students will select scientific journal articles to further their understanding of a subject of interest.

Outcome 2: Students will be able to critically evaluate scientific literature, including analysis of: literature reviews; study design; basic statistical analyses; whether conclusions are supported by sufficient evidence.

Outcome 3: Students will be able to discuss current scientific literature in a thoughtful manner.

Outcome 4: Students will be able to explain scientific findings to their peers.

Outcome 5: Students will be able to describe recent advances in understanding in the field of animal welfare science.