Introducing undergraduate students to animal science: a discovery course for non-majors.

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.