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Evaluation and Subsequent Modification of a Traditional, Land Grant Animal Sciences Curriculum
The curriculum drives student experiences and learning opportunities at an institution. While other experiences are critical, the curriculum provides the core educational components for the development of undergraduates. As such, the curriculum should be consistently reviewed and evaluated for effectiveness. Like many animal sciences programs, the program at the University of Missouri has a high percentage of students from urban areas who aspire to be veterinarians. Many lack an understanding of what an animal sciences degree entails, and knowledge of career opportunities that do not involve veterinary medicine. With this in mind, an animal sciences curriculum has the added task of educating students about the many facets of animal sciences. Recently, the Division of Animal Sciences at the University of Missouri underwent a curriculum review and subsequent modification. The review was guided by an Academic Affairs Committee, chaired by the Director of Undergraduate Studies and input was sought from all faculty, regardless of appointment. Faculty were placed on sub-committees relative to species and discipline within animal sciences. Sub-committees were tasked with identifying core competencies of an animal sciences major relative to species/discipline. Individuals were asked to do the same. The information was categorized, and the existing curriculum evaluated with respect to the summarized information. A curriculum map was created to illustrate the breadth and depth of the core competencies, and to explore deficiencies. The information provided by the map guided the revision of the existing curriculum such that strengths were identified and deficiencies were addressed. Through the process it was determined that the greatest area for revision existed in the first two years, with an additional need to provide students with a more consistent senior capstone experience. Specifically, this process led to an effort to increase experiential learning early in the undergraduate coursework and the integration of required courses into a more streamlined, stair step progression to address breadth and depth of knowledge as well as application of skills. A revised curriculum proposal was presented to the faculty which identified the core competencies as recommended by the faculty and highlighted the integration of these competencies into the curriculum proposal. Subsequent discussions were held with the faculty, and feedback regarding the proposal was considered before a final plan was developed and voted upon. Feedback was positive, and the Division of Animal Sciences is currently transitioning to the modified curriculum. Faculty input at all levels and appointments has been critical in this process, and led to greater support of the proposed changes.
Keywords: curriculum review, curriculum map, experiential learning