ECTS credits:
5 ECTS

Course parameters:
Language: English
Level of course: Combined master and PhD course
Time of year: August 2020 (Summer-University)
No. of contact hours/hours in total incl. preparation, assignment(s) or the like: To be announced
Capacity limits: 12 participants

Objectives of the course:
The aim of the course is to develop skills in animal experimentation and quantitative metabolic physiology that enable the attendee to address scientific questions related to the biology of animal nutrition. This includes hypothesis formulation, planning of experiments, analysis of experimental designs, work with experimental animals, statistical analysis of data, critical data evaluation, interpretation of nutrient fluxes and scientific presentation. The research questions addressed in the course will change along with the actual research projects in the department.

Learning outcomes and competences:
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:

• Formulate experimental hypotheses in the field of quantification of nutrient absorption and metabolism.
• Design appropriate studies that answers questions related to inter-organ nutrient fluxes.
• Maintain catheters and draw blood samples from multi-catheterized animals and handle blood samples.
• Select relevant chemical analyses for a specific research project.
• Learn which nutrients are net absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, which are taken up by various organs like the liver, muscles and mammary gland, and which nutrients are stored/metabolized/secreted or released by various organs.
• Collect data, perform relevant calculations and do biological interpretation of results and present data orally and written.

Compulsory programme:
Participation in all course activities is obligatory.

Course contents:
The student will work with scientific problems in quantitative nutrient absorption and metabolism both in theory and practice. The course activities include scientific discussions on aspects related with nutrient metabolism, an introduction to experimental and surgical techniques, hands on sampling/animal experimentation and laboratory work, handling of data, calculations and biological interpretation of results, writing of a report, and oral presentation of data.

Prerequisites:
Four years of study, and preferably at least a course within physiology, anatomy or nutrition (or related fields). 

Name of lecturers:
Senior Researcher Peter K. Theil
Guest lecturers: To be announced.

Literature:
To be announced

Course homepage:
None

Course assessment:
A written report (in groups) and an individual exam. Evaluation will be passed/not-passed. Master’s students will receive a grade (12-point scale)

Provider:
Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University.

Special comments on this course:
This course is held at Foulum, 8830-Tjele (approx. 15 km from the centre of Viborg). Please note that Foulum is located approximately 1 h from the centre of Aarhus.

Time:
3 - 19 August 2020.

Place:
Foulum, Blichers allé 20, DK-8830, Denmark.

Registration
For registration: Send an e-mail to peter.theil@anis.au.dk.
Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you have any questions, please contact Senior Scientist Peter K. Theil, e-mail: peter.theil@anis.au.dk.