The udder and its response to infection from edX

Welcome to the Bovine Mastitis MOOCs series!

As you may know, mastitis is a very costly disease on dairies. It is a complex, multifactorial health problem and, all around the world, a large number of scientists, and their graduate students, are conducting research on this disease.

For that reason, experts from more than 20 countries have decided to work together to produce this series of three MOOC, designed for graduate students, to give them the knowledge they need to initiate their research program. Of course, these MOOCs will also be useful for dairy practitioners, teachers, and for individuals that already have a solid scientific background, and are interested to learn on bovine mastitis.

This first MOOC (of a duration of 15 hours) covers the basic knowledge on the mammary gland and its response to infections. We will discuss, mammary gland anatomy and physiology, immune response, the role of genetics, and pathophysiology, or, if you prefer, the changes occurring in mammary tissues following an infection.

This MOOC will soon be followed by two others MOOCS, that will cover bovine mastitis epidemiology and diagnostic, and finally, mastitis control.

We hope this series of course will answer all your questions and will be useful for your professional development.

Welcome to the first MOOC on "The mammary gland and its response to infection"!

Simon Dufour, DMV, Ph.D.

Professor, Université de Montréal

MOOCs series main designer

What's inside

Learning objectives

Animal health;
Veterinary science;

Udder health.

Animal health;
Veterinary science;
Udder health.

Syllabus

Module 1 : Udder anatomy and physiology

The general anatomy and structure of the mammary gland including teat anatomy

The physiology of the mammary gland including

Development of the mammary gland prior to first lactation and prior to subsequent calvings

Secretory activities during the milking phase

Involution of the mammary gland at drying off

Module 2 : Udder immunology

Bovine humoral and innate immunity

Mammary gland local immunity

Module 3 : Host genetics

Quantitative genetics

Genomics

Module 4 : Pathophysiology

Mammary tissues response following intra-mammary infection

Involvement of neutrophils, plasma protein, cytokines, and bacteria in tissue damage

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches bovine mastitis, which is highly relevant to dairy practitioners, teachers, and individuals interested in bovine mastitis

Expert instructors, Simon Dufour, with a strong reputation in the field

Taught by experts from more than 20 countries, which may add color to different perspectives on bovine mastitis

Covers udder immunology, host genetics, and pathophysiology, which are core skills for understanding bovine mastitis

Part of a series of three MOOCs, which may indicate comprehensiveness and detail

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The udder and its response to infection with these activities:

Organize and review course materials

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Organize your notes, assignments, and study materials to prepare for the course

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Gather all relevant materials for the course
Organize materials in a logical and accessible manner
Review materials to familiarize yourself with the course content

Review anatomy of the mammary gland

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Review the basics of mammary gland anatomy to reinforce relevant knowledge for this course

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Explore literature on bovine mastitis epidemiology

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Seek out literature and tutorials to enhance your understanding of bovine mastitis epidemiology, a key area of focus in the course

Browse courses on Epidemiology

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Search for reputable journals and articles on bovine mastitis epidemiology
Read and analyze articles to extract key findings and concepts
Summarize your findings in a brief report or presentation

Two other activities

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Show all five activities

Attend a workshop on diagnostic techniques for mastitis

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Participate in a workshop to develop practical skills in diagnosing mastitis, a critical aspect of mastitis management

Browse courses on Diagnostic Techniques

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Identify and register for a reputable workshop on mastitis diagnostics
Attend the workshop and actively participate in hands-on exercises
Reflect on your learning and apply it to your practice

Develop a poster presentation on mastitis control strategies

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Create a poster to summarize and present the key strategies for controlling mastitis, a valuable skill in the field

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Research and gather information on different mastitis control strategies
Design a visually engaging poster to present your findings
Prepare a brief presentation to explain your poster

Career center

Learners who complete The udder and its response to infection will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Veterinarian

Veterinarians provide medical care for animals, including cattle. This course may be useful for Veterinarians who want to specialize in bovine mastitis. The course covers the anatomy and physiology of the mammary gland, as well as the immune response to infection. This knowledge can help Veterinarians diagnose and treat mastitis more effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Veterinarian

Dairy Scientist

Dairy Scientists research the production and processing of milk and other dairy products. This course may be useful for Dairy Scientists who want to study bovine mastitis. The course covers the pathophysiology of mastitis, as well as the role of genetics in the disease. This knowledge can help Dairy Scientists develop new strategies to prevent and control mastitis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Dairy Scientist

Animal Scientist

Animal Scientists research the science of animal production and care. This course may be useful for Animal Scientists who want to specialize in dairy cattle. The course covers the anatomy and physiology of the mammary gland, as well as the immune response to infection. This knowledge can help Animal Scientists develop new strategies to improve the health and productivity of dairy cows.

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Microbiologist

Microbiologists study microorganisms and their role in health and disease. This course may be useful for Microbiologists who want to study bovine mastitis. The course covers the pathophysiology of mastitis, as well as the role of bacteria in the disease. This knowledge can help Microbiologists develop new strategies to prevent and control mastitis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Microbiologist

Geneticist

Geneticists study the genes and their role in health and disease. This course may be useful for Geneticists who want to study bovine mastitis. The course covers the role of genetics in the disease, as well as the development of new strategies to prevent and control mastitis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geneticist

Immunologist

Immunologists study the immune system and its role in health and disease. This course may be useful for Immunologists who want to study bovine mastitis. The course covers the immune response to infection, as well as the role of genetics in the disease. This knowledge can help Immunologists develop new strategies to prevent and control mastitis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Immunologist

Biologist

Biologists study living organisms and their life processes. This course may be useful for Biologists who want to study bovine mastitis. The course covers the anatomy and physiology of the mammary gland, as well as the immune response to infection.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biologist

Pathologist

Pathologists study the causes and effects of disease. This course may be useful for Pathologists who want to study bovine mastitis. The course covers the pathophysiology of mastitis, as well as the role of bacteria in the disease.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations. This course may be useful for Epidemiologists who want to study bovine mastitis. The course covers the epidemiology of mastitis, as well as the development of new strategies to prevent and control the disease.

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Dairy Farmer

Dairy Farmers own and operate dairy farms. This course may be useful for Dairy Farmers who want to improve the health and productivity of their cows. The course covers the anatomy and physiology of the mammary gland, as well as the immune response to infection. This knowledge can help Dairy Farmers develop new strategies to prevent and control mastitis.

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Veterinary Technician

Veterinary Technicians assist Veterinarians in the care and treatment of animals. This course may be useful for Veterinary Technicians who want to specialize in bovine mastitis. The course covers the anatomy and physiology of the mammary gland, as well as the immune response to infection. This knowledge can help Veterinary Technicians assist Veterinarians in diagnosing and treating mastitis more effectively.

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Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technicians perform laboratory tests and procedures. This course may be useful for Laboratory Technicians who want to specialize in bovine mastitis. The course covers the pathophysiology of mastitis, as well as the role of bacteria in the disease. This knowledge can help Laboratory Technicians develop new strategies to prevent and control mastitis.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct scientific research to advance knowledge in a particular field. This course may be useful for Research Scientists who want to study bovine mastitis. The course covers the epidemiology of mastitis, as well as the development of new strategies to prevent and control the disease.

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Educator

Educators teach students about a particular subject. This course may be useful for Educators who want to teach about bovine mastitis. The course covers the anatomy and physiology of the mammary gland, as well as the immune response to infection. This knowledge can help Educators develop new teaching materials and strategies to help students learn about bovine mastitis.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies. This course may be useful for Policy Analysts who want to develop policies to prevent and control bovine mastitis. The course covers the epidemiology of mastitis, as well as the development of new strategies to prevent and control the disease.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst