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Programs
Programs
Graduate training programs in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois are designed to produce leaders in academia, government, and the commercial industries that are associated with the field of animal sciences. The Department offers graduate work leading to the Master of Science (M.S.) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Animal Sciences. All of the graduates of the program are well-trained in science and capable of conducting independent research. However, our training programs emphasize the development of many other skills that lend themselves to both professional and personal success.
Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics
Molecular genetics, Genomics, Bioengineering, and Immunogenetics encompass the study of processes underlying the structure and function of genes and their influence on complex traits. Bioinformatics, quantitative and population genetics, and statistical genomics integrate phenotypic and genetic information at the molecular, cellular, individual, and population levels through advances in computer science, mathematics, molecular biology and statistics.
- Jon Beever
- Michael Grossman
- Harris Lewin
- Juan Loor
- Sandra Rodriguez-Zas (chairperson)
- Larry Schook
- Roger Shanks
Immunophysiology and Behavior
The Immunophysiology and Behavior program is designed to understand how environmental stimuli impinge upon the immune system to affect disease resistance and how cells of the immune system, and their secreted cytokine gene products, interact with disparate physiologic systems to affect growth and development, nutrition and metabolism, neural pathways that regulate behavior, and health and well-being.
- Robert Dantzer
- Greg Freund
- Rex Gaskins
- Rod Johnson (chairperson)
- Keith Kelley
- Harris Lewin
- Robert McCusker
- Janeen Salak-Johnson
- Larry Schook
Meat Science and Muscle Biology
The meat science and muscle biology program is organized within the Department of Animal Sciences and is housed in the Meat Science Laboratory. The research program is focused on enhancing the efficiency of meat and meat animal production.
- Tom Carr
- John Killefer (chairperson)
- Floyd McKeith
- Jan Novakofski
Microbiology
The microbiology program enjoys a rich history provides a strong foundation and training in basic and applied microbiology, biochemistry, molecular genetics, ecology, genomics, and physiology and metabolism of anaerobic microorganisms.
- Isaac Cann
- Rex Gaskins
- Rod Mackie
- Eberhard Morgenroth
- Bryan White (chairperson)
Nutrition
Nutrition encompasses research with swine, poultry, beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, dogs, cats and laboratory rodents. Much of the research with food animals is directed toward improving the utilization of carbohydrate, fat, protein and fiber for production of meat, milk and eggs. In addition, a substantial amount of the work done with chicks, rats and pigs is experimental or conceptual in nature so that the results go beyond the species–specific answers to fundamental questions.
- Larry Berger
- Lee Beverly
- Jim Drackley
- Bob Easter
- Michael Ellis
- George Fahey
- Dan Faulkner
- Peter Garlick
- Michael Hutjens
- Juan Loor
- Neal Merchen
- Michael Murphy
- Carl Parsons (chairperson)
- Jim Pettigrew
- Kelly Swanson
Production and Environmental Management
Animal production research is primarily basic science discovery that impacts production outcome. Faculty that participate in production and management research use basic and discovery sciences in Animal Sciences applications. Research is done using many economically important species and incorporates novel treatments based upon new science discoveries and management methodologies. Thus, students have opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge approaches and gain insight into the most current animal production and environmental management methods.
- Larry Berger
- Geoff Dahl (chairperson)
- Michael Ellis
- Dan Faulkner
- Kevin Kline
- Rob Knox
- Ken Koelkebeck
- Doug Parrett (chairperson)
- Jim Pettigrew
Reproductive Biology
The goal of this nationally recognized program in Reproductive Biology is to understand the fundamental processes in reproduction and improve reproductive efficiency, when desired, or control or prevent reproduction, when reduced fertility is desired. Research in reproductive biology includes a broad range of species and incorporates whole animal experiments, cell and tissue culture techniques, and molecular biology and genetic studies. Thus, students have opportunities to learn and apply a multitude of cutting edge approaches to gain insight into reproductive biology and to solve important problems in reproduction.
- Janice Bahr
- Geoff Dahl
- Walter Hurley
- Darrel Kesler
- Rob Knox
- Dave Miller (chairperson)
- Romana Nowak
- Matthew Wheeler
- Humphrey Yao