Advanced studies in specific areas of relevance to agriculture, nutrition, and/or food systems.

Master's thesis research. Cr/F.

This course explores foundational ANFS graduate program expectations (proposed timelines, programmatic requirements, resources, and research opportunities) while modeling collaborative, interdisciplinary, and inquiry-based systems learning. Students will investigate selected topics that permeate across traditional discipline boundaries, thus developing skills ubiquitously applicable to all. Students will sharpen critical thinking, writing and presentation skills to apply systems thinking to graduate research studies. The importance of values, ethics, networking, and work/life balance will be explored.

Through an interdisciplinary and historical lens, students delve into the interaction and interdependence of animals and people, the changes and patterns over time, and the resulting implications for the animal industry and the quality of life for animals, people, and the planet. Topics covered include agricultural production, organic farming, sustainability, global agriculture, Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs), research, nutrition, food safety, genetics, animal health, aquaculture, animal welfare, breeding, recreation, companionship, and the reproduction of domestic animals. What are the major changes in meat consumption by humans? What is the effect of these changes on the environment and large and small farm operations? What are the effects of biotechnological research performed on animals for human benefits? What is the difference between animal welfare and animal rights? Why should we care? In what ways does this affect us?