Course Description
Exploration of the ethical considerations, production, processing, and nutritional significance of animal-derived products, highlighting their impact on human health and modern society. Topics include both edible products such as meat, milk, eggs, and seafood, as well as inedible products like leather, wool, gelatin, and pharmaceuticals.
Athena Title
Anim Products Food to Pharm
Pre or Corequisite
BIOL 1103 or BIOL 1103E or BIOL 1107 or BIOL 1107E or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will explain the biological, chemical, and technological principles behind the production and processing of animal-derived products, including meat, milk, eggs, seafood, leather, and pharmaceuticals.
- Students will evaluate the nutritional significance and health impacts of animal-derived products in the context of human diets and global health trends.
- Students will discuss the contributions of animals and animal-derived products to research, pharmaceuticals, and medical advancements.
- Students will assess advancements in technology and research that impact the production, processing, and development of animal-derived products.
- Students will analyze ethical concerns and sustainability issues related to the production and consumption of animal-derived products, including environmental and animal welfare considerations.
- Students will analyze consumer concerns regarding misconceptions, transparency, labeling, and ethical sourcing of animal-derived products and discuss the role of education in shaping informed consumer choices.
- Students will effectively communicate scientific, technical and ethical concepts related to animal-derived products in both oral and written formats.
Topical Outline
- 1. Introduction and overview of animal-derived products
- 2. Nutritional importance of animal products to human health
- 3. Edible Products: production, processing, ethical and environmental considerations and health impacts
o Meat and poultry
o Dairy
o Eggs
o Seafood
o Alternative products
- 4. Inedible Products: processing, applications, ethical and environmental considerations
o Gelatin, leather, wool, feathers, …
o Pharmaceuticals and animal derived medical products
- 5. Technological and scientific advancements:
o Innovations in production and processing
o Research and technological advances
- 6. Ethical and sustainability challenges:
o Environmental impacts of production
o Animal welfare considerations
o Balancing sustainability and demand
- 7. Consumer concerns and education
o Transparency and labeling of animal-derived products
o Consumer perceptions and misconceptions
o Educational initiatives to inform purchasing decisions
o Role of media and marketing in shaping consumer awareness
- 8. Animals in research and medicine:
o Contributions to pharmaceutical and biomedical advancements
o Ethical considerations in animal research
- 9. Future of animal-derived products
o Innovation, ethics, and sustainability
o Animal welfare and consumer concerns
Institutional Competencies
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
