Highlights of this course include: Major biological, chemical, and physical components of the agricultural systems The scientific basis for understanding these systems and their management How science has influenced policies related to agriculture, food safety, and the environment in the United States How the policies have evolved over time in the US What has worked and what has not; the reasons and the consequences What other factors influence policies beyond science How we link what we learn to ecological agriculture How we use what we learn for policy analysis

This case is a "clicker" adaptation of a similarly titled case by Merle Heidemann and Gerald Urquhart of Michigan State University, "A Can of Bull?" The story introduces students to basic principles of metabolism and energy through a biochemical analysis of commonly available "energy drinks" that many students purchase at relatively high prices. Students learn to define energy in a biological/nutritional context, identify valid biochemical sources of energy, discuss how foods are metabolized to generate ATP, and critically evaluate marketing claims for various energy drinks. The case can be used in introductory level courses to introduce these principles or as a review of basic biochemistry and nutrition for upper-level students in nutrition, physiology, or biochemistry courses. The case is presented in class using a PowerPoint (~2.3MB) that is punctuated by multiple-choice questions students answer using personal response systems, or "clickers."

This case study is designed to teach students at various levels about large biomolecules, nutrition, and product analysis. Students conduct a biochemical analysis of several popular energy drinks on the market, which many students purchase at fairly high prices, and determine whether these products nutritionally match their marketing claims. The case can be used as a review of basic biochemistry and nutrition for upper level students in physiology, biochemistry, or nutrition courses, or to introduce this information in introductory level courses in these disciplines.

In this case study, students are introduced to concepts and techniques in modern biotechnology, as well as the possible implications of this emerging science, by considering the possibility of in vitro cultured meat. Intended for use in a college-level meat science, food science, or human nutrition course, the case could also be used in courses in environmental science, agribusiness, agriculture law and policy, animal philosophy/well-being, and high school AP food science.

Starting from a fictional "news" report about an apparent allergic reaction to a taco tainted by genetically modified corn, students consider some of the techniques and procedures used in modern molecular genetics and microbiology as well as some of the issues associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Originally designed for role-play and PowerPoint assignments, suggestions for a shortened version are also provided. Suitable for a general microbiology course, the case could also be used in an introductory molecular biology course with appropriate modifications. Various levels of coverage of the topic of recombinant DNA are possible.

Growing interest in sustainable agriculture has generated a wealth of educational materials on the many social, environmental, and agronomic topics related to this expanding field.

In creating this online resource, we’ve reviewed hundreds of resources—textbooks, popular books, web sites, videos, PowerPoint presentations, and more—to identify the highest-quality and most relevant materials on sustainable agriculture available. Whether you’re teaching a 2-hour community gardening workshop on irrigation or a semester-long college course on the social and environmental impacts of agriculture, this resource will help you locate the best materials to meet your instructional needs.

We’ve also developed a catalogue description and outline for a comprehensive course on sustainable agriculture, appropriate for the community college, state college, or university level). The Course Outline includes topics in social and environmental sciences; plant, soil, crop, and animal sciences; pest management; natural resource management; the adoption of sustainable agriculture; and the growth and development of sustainable agriculture and the organic food industry.

Antioxidants are substances that are capable of slowing down oxidation reactions. Oxidation can create free radicals that can damage cells and cause aging and breakdown in the human body.

This course provides an understanding of the complex and challenging public health issue of food security and in a world where one billion people are under-nourished while another billion are overweight. Explores the connections among diet, the current food production system, the environment and public health, considering factors such as economics, population and equity. Case studies are used to examine these complex relationships and as well as alternative approaches to achieving both local and global food security and the important role public health can play. Guest lecturers include experts from a variety of disciplines and experiences.