Have you ever wondered how caretakers enrich the lives of lizards in zoos? Or how improving sow welfare benefits the lives of growing piglets? Or what play can tell us about a puppy’s well-being?
In the spring semester one-credit course Animal Welfare Science Journal Club (ANSC 3900), students explore diverse animal welfare topics and current research through weekly discussions of scientific literature. Students take turns selecting an article of their interest and leading class discussion to dive into its methods and conclusions. The course, taught by Lecturer Lindsay Goodale, develops skills in analyzing complex readings; by the end of each class, students have gained a greater understanding of diverse animal welfare issues.
“It’s my favorite course to teach,” Goodale said. “It’s amazing to see students get engaged with the journal club and the topics of their choosing.”
The open-ended nature of the course allows students to find studies they are passionate about, she said, while ensuring students hit the key themes of the research and enhance their understanding of the literature. The benefits of being able to read and communicate scientific literature extend beyond the students’ academic careers.
For Goodale, the most rewarding part of teaching the course is hearing what students have to say.
“My favorite aspect of this course was how it was open-ended and everyone felt comfortable speaking,” said animal science undergraduate Isabel Stanley ’24. “Through our discussions, I gained valuable insights into various animals’ welfare and behaviors, and I also learned how to analyze scientific literature critically.”
Source: cornell.edu
Photo Credit: istock-heebyj
Categories: New York, Livestock, Goats & Sheep