The following syllabus is current for the AGSC 485/685 Spring 2026 class.

Instructor:  Hannah Rodriguez, DVM, MPH
Email: hannahrodriguez@unr.edu
Office Hours: By Appointment

Course Description
 This course will introduce students to livestock diseases that have the potential to devastate the U.S. agricultural industry, with an emphasis on Nevada. This course will focus on developing biosecurity plans for individual Nevada producers in the event of a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak. Students will learn about biosecurity, high-impact livestock diseases, and one health. 

Course Pre/Co-requisites: Junior or Senior standing
Required Texts/Course Materials: There are no required texts for this course.
Class Procedures/Structures: This is a 2-credit in-person course. 
Schedule: Wednesdays 1:00-2:50 pm
Location: KRC 127

Student Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
Undergraduate students:

  • SLO1: Explain biosecurity and apply biosecurity concepts to diverse livestock industries such as beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, and sheep. 
  • SLO2: Demonstrate an understanding of high-impact livestock diseases, such as FMD
  • SLO3: Develop a biosecurity plan for a Nevada producer for an FMD outbreak.
  • SLO4: Communicate effectively with Nevada livestock producers, building trust during plan development
  • Graduate students (in addition to the above):
  • SLO1: Critically evaluate current biosecurity research literature, identifying gaps and emerging threats. 
  • SLO2: Provide mentorship to undergraduate students

Course Requirements
Attendance/Participation: Weekly attendance and active participation are expected. Attendance will be taken in each class. The instructor will be using Top Hat to help guide participation; however, it highly encourage students to speak up during class by asking questions and engaging with the instructor. Active learning is KEY. Come to class, pay attention, and ask questions! Questions are good for you and for your peers. Additionally, graduate students will conduct a literature review. Graduate students are expected to meet one-on-one with the instructor at least three times during the semester.  

Quizzes (150 points): Weekly quizzes will be given that cover material from the previous lecture. They will help you keep up with the weekly material. Arrive at class on time; quizzes will start precisely at the start of the lecture. A missed quiz will result in a zero score. Graduate students will have additional questions to answer in free-response format.

Written Biosecurity Plan (200 points): Students will pair up to develop a biosecurity plan for a Nevada producer. These plans will be designed for producers to submit to the Nevada Department of Agriculture. Details and the grading rubric are available on WebCampus. Graduate students are expected to work independently on their plan. A separate rubric will be available for graduate students on WebCampus. 

Plan Presentation (50 points): Students will prepare a 8-10 minute presentation of their plans to the class. Presentations should highlight the type of production system and unique facility challenges. Details and the grading rubric are available on WebCampus. Graduate students will prepare a 10-12 minute presentation of their plan. The presentation should be given in the form of a conference proceeding. A separate rubric will be available for graduate students on WebCampus.

Grading Criteria, Scale, and Standards
Grades will be based on the above criteria. Final grades are based on percentage of total points throughout the semester and include plus/minus grading. Grades are not weighted or curved. The total points available may be adjusted during the semester at the instructor's discretion. Students will be informed of any 

Instructor's Expectations of You/Class Conduct

  • To read and note the information contained in this syllabus.
  • To attend class. 
  • Uphold strict confidentiality of producer information. Sharing of any producer information outside of class will result in severe disciplinary action and a failure of the course.
  • Check WebCampus frequently for announcements, date changes, and assignment due dates. 
  • Actively participate with the instructor.  
  • Have cell phones on silent and put away during lecture periods. If you are expecting an important phone call or need to leave early, please let me know ahead of time and sit where you can quietly exit the classroom. 
  • To complete and submit course evaluations at the end of the term. The course evaluations are used to help improve the course and as feedback for me.

What You Can Expect of the instructor

  • They will do their best to help you learn in an exciting way and provide you with recent, up-to-date, and relevant information.
  • They will be available to you to answer questions during the work week. Please do not expect a response from me during weekends. 
  • They will grade fairly and listen openly to any concerns regarding graded assignments.

Zoom Etiquette Expectations - Participation During Zoom Meetings
Portions of our class may take place synchronously via Zoom. During these meetings, students are expected to pay attention, participate in small groups, and engage with the material. If possible, find a quiet space without interruptions/background noise.

Video: Your video should be on during class—if you aren’t able, please email me ahead of time. Make sure your face can be seen clearly. Note that your instructor and classmates will be able to see you, and prepare accordingly (i.e., be fully dressed, avoid lying down in bed, etc.). Note that UNR has loaded campus-themed virtual backgrounds into all Zoom accounts that can be used to hide your surroundings, if desired. 

Audio: Your audio should be on when you join class, and you should immediately mute yourself upon entering the session (if you are not already muted). You can unmute yourself when you want to participate. Turning on your microphone is a good way to indicate you want to add to the discussion, but you can also use the hand-raising symbol. Your audio should be on the whole time you’re in your breakout room.

Chat Function: Please use the chat tool to ask questions or contribute ideas, but stay on topic to the information being presented. 

University Policies - Statement on Academic Dishonesty
You are expected to submit your own work for all your assignments, exams, and other communications and give credit to the work of others when you use it. ChatGPT or other Chatbots are not an allowable resource for this course. All papers will be submitted for review for academic integrity. 

The University Academic Standards Policy defines academic dishonesty and mandates specific sanctions for violations. See the University Academic Standards policy: UAM 6,502.

Statement on Student Compliance with University Policies
In accordance with section 6,502 of the University Administrative Manual, a student may receive academic and disciplinary sanctions for failure to comply with policy, including this syllabus, for failure to comply with the directions of a University Official, for disruptive behavior in the classroom, or any other prohibited action. “Disruptive behavior" is defined in part as behavior, including but not limited to failure to follow course, laboratory or safety rules, or endangering the health of others. A student may be dropped from class at any time for misconduct or disruptive behavior in the classroom upon recommendation of the instructor and with approval of the college dean. A student may also receive disciplinary sanctions through the Office of Student Conduct for misconduct or disruptive behavior, including endangering the health of others, in the classroom. The student shall not receive a refund for course fees or tuition.

Statement of Disability Services
Any student with a disability needing academic adjustments or accommodations is requested to speak with me or the Disability Resource Center (Pennington Achievement Center Suite 230) as soon as possible to arrange for appropriate accommodations.

This course may leverage 3rd party web/multimedia content, if you experience any issues accessing this content, please notify your instructor.

Statement on Audio and Video Recording
Student-created Recordings
Surreptitious or covert video-taping of class or unauthorized audio recording of class is prohibited by law and by Board of Regents policy. This class may be videotaped, or audio recorded only with the written permission of the instructor. In order to accommodate students with disabilities, some students may have been given permission to record class lectures and discussions. Therefore, students should understand that their comments during class may be recorded.

Instructor-created Recordings
Class sessions may be audio-visually recorded for students in the class to review and for enrolled students who are unable to attend live to view. Students who participate with their camera on or who use a profile image are consenting to have their video or image recorded.  If you do not consent to have your profile or video image recorded, keep your camera off and do not use a profile image. Students who unmute during class and participate orally are consenting to have their voices recorded.  If you do not consent to have your voice recorded during class, keep your mute button activated and only communicate by using the "chat" feature, which allows you to type questions and comments live.

Statement on Maintaining a Safe Learning and Work Environment
The University of Nevada, Reno is committed to providing a safe learning and work environment for all. If you believe you have experienced discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, or stalking, whether on or off campus, or need information related to immigration concerns, please contact the University's Equal Opportunity & Title IX office at 775-784-1547. Resources and interim measures are available to assist you. For more information, please visit the Equal Opportunity and Title IX page. 

Statement on Campus Closures or Delays
In the event of class cancellations or delays caused by inclement weather conditions, fire/smoke conditions, or other unforeseen emergencies, the safety and well-being of students are the University’s top priority. Official notifications will be disseminated through the University website and other official channels with details related to any campus delays or closures. 

In the event of a campus closure, you will be informed as to whether the class will be offered remotely or if it will be canceled. If the class is cancelled, you will receive information on how to address any missed course content.

Students facing significant impacts due to these events are encouraged to communicate with their instructor for potential accommodations. 

Statement on Academic Success
Your student fees cover usage of the University Math Center, (775) 784-4433; University Tutoring Center, (775) 784-6801; and University Writing & Speaking Center , (775) 784-6030. These centers support your classroom learning; it is your responsibility to take advantage of their services. Keep in mind that seeking help outside of class is a sign of a responsible and successful student.

Veterans, Reservists, National Guard, and military-connected family members may wish to check the office of Veteran Services for benefits and support. Besides processing VA educational benefits, the department offers a variety of programs year-round to support student academic and personal success while transitioning to higher education and throughout your educational experience. They welcome inquiries regarding VA benefits and assist in navigating resources, the campus, and the Reno community. 

Statement on Client Confidentiality 
This course involves access to real veterinary client information, including but not limited to animal health records, owner details, farm/ranch data, or proprietary business information. Maintaining client confidentiality is a professional and ethical obligation, as well as a requirement under state and federal laws.
All students are expected to treat client information with the highest level of discretion and confidentiality. This includes:

  • Not discussing client-specific cases outside the course setting or with unauthorized individuals.
  • Not recording, sharing, or distributing client names, addresses, medical records, or identifiable details in any format (written, digital, verbal) without explicit permission.
  • Follow all data security guidelines provided by instructors or course administrators.
  • Using anonymized data in all written assignments, presentations, or discussions unless otherwise directed.

Failure to adhere to these standards may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal from the course, academic penalties, or referral to the college’s professional conduct committee.

By participating in this course, you agree to uphold these expectations and recognize the importance of client trust in the veterinary profession.

If you have any questions about what constitutes confidential information or how it may be used, please consult the instructor immediately.