COLPOYS LAB
Teaching
Dr. Colpoys' teaching philosophy, methods, and courses.
I teach a variety of animal science courses at Truman State University. Overall, my teaching goal is to create life-long learners and critical thinkers that have the ability to solve the challenges they encounter long after graduating.
Class Environment
I strive to create an open, friendly, and encouraging environment to facilitate student interaction. I try to excite students by sharing my enthusiasm, connecting topics to the big picture, and stimulating them to think about real-world applications.
Teaching Methods
I aim to foster critical thinking and self-discovery by integrating a variety of pedagogical methods. These methods include team-based learning, problem-based learning, and flipped classroom approaches. With these, I often utilize case studies, discussions, and hands on experiences to facilitate concept application.
Teaching
Tools
I often utilize technology to keep students engaged. The technology I typically utilize includes Plickers at the beginning of most class periods, Quizlet Live and Kahoot for regular material review, and GradeCam for weekly quizzes. I utilize these tools for gauging student learning, facilitating frequent recall of information, and providing immediate feedback to foster a deeper understanding.
Regularly Offered Courses
These courses are regularly offered by Dr. Colpoys
AGSC 100
Food, Agriculture, and the Environment
4 credits.
A multidisciplinary study of the structure and function of agricultural systems and of their impact on society and the environment.
AGSC 121
Livestock Management Techniques
2 credits.
The course includes practical use and application of anthelmintics, antibiotics, vaccines, insecticides, and growth stimulants. Participation in handling livestock, docking, pregnancy diagnosis, castration, and dehorning.
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Dr. Colpoys teaches the cattle section of this course.
AGSC 215
Animal Agriculture
4 credits.
A comprehensive study of the role of animals in agricultural systems. Emphasis is placed on the biological principles applicable to animal production and methods of exploiting this knowledge for more efficient and humane production.
AGSC 306
Special Topics: Companion Animal Management
3 credits.
The aim of this course is to gain a general appreciation of companion animals and their interaction with humans. This will include an overview of types of companion animals, care, behavior, management, and uses.
AGSC 320
Anatomy & Physiology of Domestic Animals
4 credits.
A systems approach to the study of farm animal anatomy and physiology.
AGSC 322
Animal Health
3 credits.
A fundamental approach to disease mechanisms, principles of treatment and prevention, animal health regulations, infectious and non-infectious diseases, herd health programs in horses, cattle, and small animals.
AGSC 428
Animal Welfare
3 credits.
Concern about animal welfare is continuously increasing in the United States and across many other industrialized countries. The issues involved are complex and there is widespread disagreement as to the extent of human responsibilities toward animals. Through this course students will learn how the concern for animal welfare developed, how to address these issues by evaluating what animals can experience, learn how to objectively assess animal welfare, and how to approach modern animal welfare issues.
Offered online in the summer.
AGSC 429
Animal Behavior
3 credits.
Through this course students will learn how and why domesticated animals behave the way they do. Emphasis will be placed on how to objectively measure and interpret animal behavior and how to apply this knowledge to improve animal environments.
Offered online in the summer.