Description
Students participate in hands-on learning experiences based on their academic interest, career goals, faculty mentor, and available resources. Students may opt to conduct hands-on research experiences stemming from either the proposal written in AVS 401 Capstone in Animal Science I, conduct a different research project, develop a business plan, or conduct a non-research project based on their interest in AVS (could be an internship experience). In this course, students present a poster presentation to the instructor and other students at an AVS symposium. AVS 401 and AVS 402 collectively serve as the Capstone experience for Animal and Veterinary Sciences students.
Course Goals
The student will conduct a research/problem solving project, which can be performed under the supervision of a faculty member, as a group, or independently. In AVS 402, students will complete a poster presentation that will explain the project objectives and the context behind the proposal, the methods, and results/outcomes. Students will present the poster/project results to faculty and students. Students completing the general education area of Capstone experience will be able to:
- Synthesize knowledge, skills, and dispositions gained throughout the student’s major of study.
- Demonstrate competence within the discipline through professional conduct and, as appropriate, critical reasoning, analytical ability, and creativity.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills.
Student Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, student will have the skills to perform the following numbered tasks. Course objectives specific to each learning outcome are provided.
- How to find and assess the quality of scientific information.
- In assembling background information about their topic, students will learn how to perform a search of scientific databases, how to read scientific literature, and how to assess information for validity and generalizability.
- In peer-reviewing other student research reports, students will learn how to peer-reviews manuscripts, including reviewing, editing, and scientific critique.
- How to create a research/project poster presentation.
- Students will learn how to create a scientific project poster.
- Students will learn how to explain their process and controls to ensure the project is rigorously designed, how to present information in a logical and scientific manner
- Students will learn how to build a citation database and use it to create relevant in-line citations and a reference list.
- Students will learn how to create an oral presentation using software tools and present to a technical audience.
- How to conduct research or manage a project.
- Through their participation in research/project activities under the guidance of the instructor or another a faculty mentor, students will learn broadly about scientific research, including ethical standards and institutional approval, identifying research questions and hypotheses to test, designing robust experiments which incorporate experimental controls to test the hypotheses, data collection and curation, data analysis and evaluation, statistical validity, and interpretation of results.
Taught Spring semesters
Satisfies a Writing Intensive general education requirement
Syllabus
** Syllabus is subject to change.
Press
Policies
Attendance policy: Students are expected to attend lectures, but it is understood that life often precludes this. Students may attend class virtually, through Zoom, which will be offered for each class. Students who will miss a significant number of classes, or who require additional accommodations, may contact me to make alternate arrangements.
- Pregnancy, lactation, and parenting: I am happy to make accommodations for students based on pregnancy, lactation, and parental needs, as well as work with the Office of Equal Opportunities. Maine state and UMaine policy allows students to breastfeed in any space, including in class. If a lactation space is required, please contact E.O. for arrangements.
- Pregnant on Campus Initiative, pregnancy and parenting resources in Orono https://pregnantoncampus.studentsforlife.org/campus/umaine-orono/
- Food insecure? Need clothes? Check out the Black Bear Exchange’s Food Pantry: https://umaine.edu/volunteer/black-bear-exchange/ or Old Town Crossroads Ministry.
Class participation: Students are expected to participate in discussions in class. I strive to create inclusive discussions, but if students still find it challenging to participate please notify me and I will alter the discussion format as needed.
Late Assignments: I will accept assignments after the due date. You will not receive a grade reduction for late assignments, but you waive the right to receive feedback which might impact the quality of successive drafts and your next grade. Assignments will not be accepted after the final exam slot for this class.
Classroom policy: Supporting inclusion and community in science is an active process that involves both invitation, and support to ensure that the scientific community is and remains an equitable and inclusive place. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner, and to abide by University policies.
Campus Policies: “The University of Maine is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities.” Follow the links for more information.
Students Accessibility Services Statement*
Observance of Religious Holidays/Events*
Sexual Discrimination Reporting (Long)*
Sexual Discrimination Reporting (Short)*
** I am a “mandatory reporter”. If you disclose something to me, I am obligated to disclose to the relevant campus Title IX office. This includes information revealed in class assignments.
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