Animal Science 4314

Physiology of Reproduction

Instructor Dr. Michael F. Smith

Welcome to Physiology of Reproduction!  This course is designed for juniors and seniors with a strong interest in learning about the cellular and physiological mechanisms that control reproductive processes in domestic animals. The emphasis of this course is on the biology of reproduction; whereas, the emphasis of AnSc 4384 (Reproductive Management) is on the application of reproductive technologies (e.g. artificial insemination) to maximize reproductive efficiency in cattle and pigs.  Emphasis will also be given to understanding important comparative differences in the reproductive process of various mammals. When considering the physiological systems of the body, the degree of species variation within the reproductive system compared to other systems is remarkable.  Understanding the comparative differences in the reproductive biology of domestic species will be important when learning to apply specific reproductive management practices and technologies to a particular species. 

I assume you are enrolled in the course because you are interested in becoming an animal scientist.  There is a profound difference between being a student in an animal science course and being an animal scientist!  The former is frequently a passive observer in the classroom or laboratory; whereas, the latter becomes a practitioner of the discipline.  It is one thing to memorize information but quite another to gain insight into a problem or make an intelligent decision.  Becoming an animal scientist is an active process of assimilating and integrating information to make a decision or solve a problem. To be an animal scientist, you need to think like an animal scientist and do the things that animal scientists do.  My goal is to help you become an animal scientist and I have designed this course to help accomplish this goal!