Animal Sciences and Industry

Course Based Experiential Learning

The course-based undergraduate research model was created in response to high demand for undergraduate research experiences. In 2016 and 2017, an average of 78% of incoming freshmen to the department indicated they hoped to conduct research sometime during their undergraduate career. This model allows for students to earn course credit while completing a project with peers.

During the semester students are introduced to research methods and learn the procedures to conduct a project. Simultaneously students will begin conducting the experiment portion of the project. After the experiment the class analyzes the data and each student writes an abstract to pair with their research poster. At the conclusion of the course, students will present their findings at the Undergraduate Research Forum.

To date, course-based projects have included:

  • Evaluating an antibiotic replacements in broilers (Sponsored by Koch Industries)
  • Determining the timing and level of iron injection in suckling pigs (Sponsored by Ceva Animal Health in collaboration with the K-State Applied Swine Nutrition Team)
  • Assessing the ability of dried distillers grains with solubles on meat goat growth performance and carcass characteristics (Sponsored by Kansas Corn Commission and in collaboration with Dr. Alison Crane and Dr. James Lattimer)
  • Evaluation of quality grade influences on beef top sirloin cap (biceps femoris) eating quality (Sponsored by Tyson Fresh Meats and in collaboration with Dr. Travis O'Quinn)
  • Measuring the impact of various mitigants to reduce E. Coli contamination on human food (Sponsored by 3M and in collaboration with Dr. Valentina Trinetta)
  • Assessing the impact of SoyPlus and SoyChlor in growing meat goat diets (Sponsored by Dairy Nutrition Plus and in collaboration with Dr. Alison Crane and Dr. James Lattimer)
  • Determining the ability of functional oils to replace antimicrobials in nursery pig diets (Sponsored by ADDCON and in collaboration with the K-State Applied Swine Nutrition Team)
  • Evaluating the role of corn gluten feed or corn dried distillers grains with solubles to reduce diet cost in growing meat goats (Sponsored by Kansas Corn Commission and in collaboration with Dr. Allison Crane)\
  • Assessing the impact of various goat meat fabrication techniques on collagen levels and preference among Chinese consumers (In collaboration with Dr. Michael Chao)
  • Determining the impact of the length of time of a post-transport rest period on feedlot receiving calf health and growth (Sponsored by Hy-Plains Feedyard and in collaboration with Dr. AJ Tarpoff)