Kesler D J
Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801, USA.
J Anim Sci. 1997 Jan;75(1):273-6. doi: 10.2527/1997.751273x.
A discovery course titled "Living with Animals and Biotechnology" was taught to first-year students enrolled in disciplines other than Animal Science during the fall semesters of 1994 and 1995 at the University of Illinois. The course provided freshman students with an overview of how animals and biotechnology interact with our global society. It focused on technological achievements involving animals and how they influence the development of agriculture, medicine, and industry in our world. The course was conducted in a discussion format and met once a week. Upon successful completion of the course, students received one credit towards graduation. A total of 17 and 19 students completed the course for the two semesters that the course was offered. Most of the students (86%) were majors in the College of Liberal Arts and Science. Students rated the course high (4.85 +/- .06 with 5 = exceptionally high) and found the course a valuable learning experience (4.57 +/- .11 with 5 = very valuable). When surveyed 93% of the students said the discovery course gave them a much better impression of the Department of Animal Sciences. Most of the students (86%) said they would consider taking another animal science course. Offering one credit animal science discussion courses by faculty with diverse expertise introduces students to animal science. It also may stimulate student curiosity and excitement about the field of animal science.
1994年和1995年秋季学期，伊利诺伊大学为非动物科学专业的一年级学生开设了一门名为“与动物和生物技术共存”的探索课程。该课程向新生概述了动物和生物技术如何与我们的全球社会相互作用。它聚焦于涉及动物的技术成就以及这些成就如何影响我们世界中农业、医学和工业的发展。课程以讨论形式进行，每周上课一次。课程顺利完成后，学生可获得一个毕业学分。在该课程开设的两个学期中，分别有17名和19名学生完成了课程。大多数学生（86%）是文理学院的专业学生。学生对该课程评价很高（4.85±0.06，满分5分为“极高”），并认为该课程是一次宝贵的学习经历（4.57±0.11，满分5分为“非常有价值”）。在接受调查时，93%的学生表示这门探索课程让他们对动物科学系有了更好的印象。大多数学生（86%）表示他们会考虑再选一门动物科学课程。由具有不同专业知识的教师开设一个学分的动物科学讨论课程，能让学生接触到动物科学。这也可能激发学生对动物科学领域的好奇心和兴趣。
