Harvard University · edX
Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles
4.71,590 ratingsMobilize people to tackle tough problems and build the capacity to thrive through the dangers of change
Overview
This course will explore the concepts driving current food production science (population growth, urbanization, emerging affluence, resource constraints, and underlying biological limits) with the main focus on livestock production. Each of the major food animal species (dairy, swine, beef, and poultry) will be covered in terms of their universal life cycles, constraints to production and emerging societal issues.
Throughout the course, we will tackle some difficult and important questions:
What are the major health benefits and potential concerns regarding the production and consumption of animal products?
How does animal production affect the efficient use of resources and impact our environment?
Can cost of production be reduced to meet growing demand for animal products around the globe while maintaining health and safety for both animals and consumers?
What are the different types of animal food production systems?
Myths and misconceptions surrounding the animal food systems will be discussed. We’ll also look closely at some of the global issues, problems, and challenges in these food systems which scientists, farmers, and veterinarians, are attempting to solve through collaboration.
Lectures will be delivered by several experts from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine who are intimately involved in the study and advancement of animal production systems. The course is geared towards learners who seek a greater understanding of animal food systems as well as those who might have never visited an animal farm, but have a desire to learn more about where some of our food comes from and issues surrounding sustainability.
Syllabus 8
- Population Growth and Global Animal Industries 2.5 hours
This module introduces the course by discussing the pressing need to address global food security as well as the accompanying challenges and ethical issues. We also explore the role that livestock play in the food production system and review trends in animal production.
- Issues Surrounding Animal Production 2 hours
This module begins to explore the fundamental principles of animal production operations and the issues surrounding animal production. We will look at the efficiency and environmental impact of the food system as well as animal welfare concerns. Finally, we will discuss the importance of water as a…
- Animal Feeds and the Environment 3 hours
This module focuses on animal feeds and their important role in the animal production system. You will gain an understanding of the constituents in feed as well as how feed is classified. We will also examine and explain how nutrients flow through the environment. Finally, we will look at the probl…
- General Animal Production, Efficiency and Food Safety 2.5 hours
This module continues the discussion of animal production operations by looking at factors that affect farms’ animal yields and environmental efficiency. We will also explore food safety, how and why antibiotics are used in food production, and the importance of veterinary medicine as part of the l…
- Dairy Production 3 hours
Welcome to the first week of the course which explores a particular animal production sector. The focus for this module will be dairy. The life cycle of a dairy cow as well as the environmental impact of dairy production will be covered. We'll also explore housing systems, milking technologies, tre…
- Swine Production 1.5 hours
This module will examine the life cycle of market hogs and mother sows in the U.S. swine production system. Swine housing and the rationale behind those facilities will be covered in addition to welfare and the trends and challenges currently affecting the swine industry.
- Poultry Production 2 hours
This module examines the production system and life cycle of U.S. poultry. We'll address animal welfare issues and emerging challenges and finish the week with a discussion about public health concerns related to the poultry production system.
- Beef Production 4 hours
The final module of the course focuses on beef production systems. We will examine the production system and life cycle of U.S. beef cattle. Then, we'll address animal health as well as public health issues. Finally, we'll finish the week with a discussion about the international beef industry.
Skills you'll practise
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
- Structured courses with graded quizzes, assignments and deadlines you can reset.
- A shareable certificate from the university or company when you pay.
- Financial aid is often approved for students in India (apply 15 days before you need it).
- Taught by University of Pennsylvania, one of the strongest names in its field.
- Rated 4.7 out of 5 by 257 learners.
- Self-paced: start any time.
- A clear syllabus (8 parts) you can see before you start.
Disadvantages
- Paid after a 7-day free trial (Coursera Plus or per course).
- Some courses can be audited for free, but graded work and certificates need payment.
Some points apply to every course of this kind; see how we rank.
This course is paid. Here is how to take it for free
- Free trials: You can start a 7-day free trial for many individual courses, Specializations, or a Coursera Plus subscription to test full course features. Cancel before the seventh day if you do not want to be charged.
- Financial aid: If you cannot afford the fee for a certificate, you can apply for financial aid through the link on the course home page by filling out an application about your background and goals.
Taught by
- David GalliganProfessor of Animal Health Economics, School of Veterinary Medicine
- James FergusonProfessor Emeritus, School of Veterinary Medicine
University of Pennsylvania is in Tier 1: world-leading universities and India's top institutes of our institution ranking (94/100).
Similar courses
Computer Science for Business Leaders, March 2016
A 2-day, in-person Professional Development Program at Harvard Division of Continuing Education. Slides at https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1e7LNtfdK42BDOcJBIB1eMw2QbQFg-7tlio1OCI6ldnE/edit?usp=sharing. Register at http://www.dce.harvard.edu/professional/programs/computer-science-business-lea…
Harvard University · edX
Super-Earths and Life
4.773 ratingsLearn about the Earth, life, and how we can search for life elsewhere in the universe.
Harvard University · edX
Food Fermentation: The Science of Cooking with Microbes
4.7110 ratingsIn Food Fermentation: The Science of Cooking with Microbes, explore the roles that microbes play in the production, preservation, and enhancement of diverse foods in a variety of culinary traditions, and learn about the history of food fermentations.
Harvard University · edX
Principles, Statistical and Computational Tools for Reproducible Data Science
4.314 ratingsLearn skills and tools that support data science and reproducible research, to ensure you can trust your own research results, reproduce them yourself, and communicate them to others.
Harvard University · edX
Case Studies in Functional Genomics
4.87 ratingsPerform RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq, and DNA methylation data analyses, using open source software, including R and Bioconductor.