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Lactation Biology

Approx. 40 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course provides an in-depth look at lactation biology, including the anatomy and physiology of the lactating breast, the hormonal regulation of lactation, and the nutritional and immunological benefits of breast milk.

Key Learning Points

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the biological processes behind lactation
Explore the nutritional and immunological benefits of breast milk
Learn about the hormonal regulation of lactation

Learning Outcomes

Understand the anatomy and physiology of the lactating breast
Explain the hormonal regulation of lactation
Recognize the nutritional and immunological benefits of breast milk

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic understanding of biology
Access to a computer and internet

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced

Similar Courses

Breastfeeding: The Science Behind It
Infant Nutrition

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Description

Lactation and especially milk, which is the product of that unique mammalian process, are routinely encountered within our daily lives. Nevertheless, they often are poorly understood by many, even including many who are engaged in the business of producing milk. The overall course goal is to introduce fundamental concepts that form the basis for understanding the biology of lactation, the biology of the mammary gland, and the products of that important physiological process.

As a learner in this course, you will be provided with a series of easily understood presentations that collectively will help you build a foundation for greater understanding of lactation. You will be able to engage with other learners so that you can extend your learning beyond the video presentations. Ultimately, you will be able to construct your own mental model for understanding the wide range of topics that relate to the biology of lactation. Upon completion of the course, you will be prepared to expand your knowledge and understanding of lactation from other sources and experiences as you pursue your individual interests. Before you start the course, I suggest that you identify a question or several questions about lactation that you already have on your mind. This could be from your own experiences, something you read about or saw, or something you have wondered about. Write down your question(s) and use that to help you decide how to engage with the content of this course. You might engage with the modules in the order they are presented, or start with a module that is of particular interest to you, or pick and choose modules in any order. I encourage you to engage in all of the types of learning activities that this course has to offer, including but not limited to, the discussion forums, quizzes, peer-review assignments, and concept maps and other learning aids.

Outline

Course Orientation
Introduction to Lactation Biology
Lactation Word Cloud
Course Syllabus
About the Discussion Forums
Social Media
Updating Your Profile
Study Aid Activities Overview
Orientation Quiz
Demographics Survey

Module 1: Introduction to Lactation Biology
Definitions Part 1
Definitions Part 2
An Overview of Milk
How Much Milk?
Milk Products
Mammals
Mammalian Evolution
Why Lactate?
Module 1 Overview
Optional: Study Aids
Lesson 1-1 Quiz
Lesson 1-3 Quiz

Module 2: Mammary Gland Structure
Mammary Gland as a Skin Gland
Mammary Lobes
Simple vs Complex Glands
Mammary Anatomy at the Cow Side
Mammary Suspensory System
Median Suspensory Ligament
Structure of Teats and Cisterns
Supernumerary Teats
Mammary Blood System
Mammary Lymph System
Mammary Nervous System
Introduction to Mammary Microstructure
Microstructure - 2D and 3D
Lobules
More on Lobules
Alveoli and Their Environment
Myoepithelial Cells
Mammary Cell Ultrastructure Part 1
Mammary Cell Ultrastructure Part 2
Module 2 Overview
Optional: Study Aids
Lesson 2-1 Quiz
Lesson 2-2 Quiz
Lesson 2-3 Quiz
Lesson 2-4 Quiz
Week 1 Quiz

Module 3: Milk Composition
Milk Components
Milk Components Demo
Perspectives on Milk Composition
Milk Under the Microscope
Major Milk Fractions
From Cow to Store
Total Solids
Lactose
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose Synthesis
Milk Protein
Casein
Casein Demo
Whey Proteins
Milk Protein Synthesis
Milk Fat
Fatty Acids
Milk Fat - Species Comparisons
Milk Fat Synthesis
Milk Minerals
Milk Vitamins
Cells in Milk
More on Milk Cells
Milk Bioactive Factors
Species Comparisons of Milk
Cow vs. Human Milk Composition
Wrapping Up Milk Composition
Module 3 Overview
Optional: Study Aid
Lesson 3-1 Quiz
Lesson 3-2 Quiz
Lesson 3-3 Quiz
Lesson 3-4 Quiz
Lesson 3-5 Quiz
Lesson 3-6 Quiz
Week 2 Quiz

Module 4: Mammary Gland Development
Fetal Stage - 1
Fetal Stage - 2
Fetal Stage - 3
Prepubertal Stage - 1
Prepubertal Stage - 2
Postpubertal Stage
Development During Pregnancy - 1
Development During Pregnancy - 2
Development During Pregnancy - 3
Lactation
Bovine Mammary Development
Module 4 Overview
Optional: Study Aid
Lesson 4-1 Quiz
Lesson 4-2 Quiz
Lesson 4-3 Quiz
Week 3 Quiz

Module 5: Mother & Neonate
Peripartum Period
A Cow Calving
The Neonate
Lactogenesis & Its Stages
Secretory Differentiation
Secretory Activation & Lactose Synthesis
Hormonal Regulation
Comparative Hormonal Regulation
Prolactin - Sources
Prolactin - Control of Secretion
Prolactin - Other Regulation
Colostrum Composition
Immunoglobulins in Colostrum
Colostrum & the Neonate
Immunoglobulin Receptor
Mammary Transport of Immunoglobulin
Immunoglobulin Transport to the Neonate
Module 5 Overview
Optional: Study Aid
Lesson 5-1 Quiz
Lesson 5-2 Quiz
Lesson 5-3 Quiz
Lesson 5-4 Quiz
Lesson 5-5 Quiz
Week 4 Quiz

Module 6: Lactation
Introduction & Definitions
Systemic vs Local Regulation
Galactogogues
Prolactin
Measurement of Milk Production
Prolactin - Nonruminants
Prolactin - Ruminants 1
Prolactin - Ruminants 2
Growth Hormone - Cows
Growth Hormone - Rats
Other Hormones
Feedback Inhibition of Milk Secretion
Frequency of Milk Removal
Cisternal vs Alveolar Milk Pools
Frequency of Milk Removal - Cows
Determinants of Milk Yield
Intensity of Milk Removal
Milk Stasis
Mammary Secretions During Involution
Mammary Tissue During Involution
Dry Period
Persistency & Relactation
Mammary Involution - Sows
Compensatory Milk Production
Lactational History - Cows
Lactational History - Sows
Lactational History - Rats
Module 6 Overview
Optional: Study Aid
Lesson 6-1 Quiz
Lesson 6-2 Quiz
Lesson 6-3 Quiz
Lesson 6-4 Quiz
Week 5 Quiz

Module 7: Milk Ejection
Introduction
Neuroendocrine Reflex
Timing of Milk Ejection
Rise in Intramammary Pressure
Mammary Structure Changes During Ejection
Microstucture of Milk Ejection
Oxytocin
Sources of Oxytocin
Other Functions of Oxytocin
Residual Milk
Disturbed Milk Flow
Manipulation of Milk Ejection
Inhibition of Milk Ejection
Species Comparisons
Milk Ejection Demo - Optional
Module 7 Overview
Optional: Study Aid
Lesson 7-1 Quiz
Lesson 7-2 Quiz
Lesson 7-3 Quiz

Module 8: Atypical Lactation
Induced Lactation
Estrogen
Phytoestrogen
Zearalenone
Elevated Prolactin
Relactation, Allosucking, Communal Nursing
Lactation in Males
Module 8 Overview
Optional: Study Aid
Lesson 8-1 Quiz
Week 6 Quiz

Module 9: Mastitis
Mastitis Defined
Milk Components
Host-Agent-Environment
First Line of Defense
Inflammatory Response
Detection
Treatment & Control
Prevention
Mastitis Syndromes
Mastitis Types
Contagious Pathogens
Environmental Pathogens
Other Pathogens
Mastitis at a Herd-Level
Contagious vs Environmental
Milking Procedure
Mastitis Example Case 1
Mastitis Example Case 2
Mastitis Example Case 3
Module 9 Overview
Optional: Study Aid
Mastitis Cases Answers
Lesson 9-1 Quiz
Lesson 9-2 Quiz
Lesson 9-3 Quiz
Lesson 9-4 Quiz
Week 7 Quiz

Module 10: Comparative Lactation
Swine Lactation: Introduction
Swine Lactation: Mammary Anatomy & Development
Swine Lactation: Milk Composition
Swine Lactation: Lactogenesis & Early Lactation
Swine Lactation: Milk Production
Swine Lactation: Milk Removal & Sucking Intensity
Swine Lactation: Milk Ejection
Swine Lactation: Mammary Involution
Swine Lactation: Prolactin & Lactation
Swine Lactation: Lactational History
Swine Lactation: Mastitis 1
Swine Lactation: Mastitis 2
Swine Lactation: Mastitis 3
Elephant Lactation 1
Elephant Lactation 2
Dairy Goats: Farm Introduction
Dairy Goats: The Kids
Dairy Goats: The Does
Dairy Goats: Milking Parlor and Procedures
Dairy Goats: Cheese Introduction
Dairy Goats: Making Cheese
Module 10 Overview
Solutions to Crossword Puzzles
End of Course Survey

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the science behind lactation and breastfeeding with the Lactation Biology course on Coursera. Users praise the course for its in-depth and comprehensive coverage of the topic, with many finding it useful for both personal and professional purposes.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The course provides a thorough understanding of lactation and breastfeeding, covering everything from anatomy and physiology to cultural and societal factors that affect breastfeeding practices.

Pros from User Reviews

Comprehensive coverage of the topic
Useful for personal and professional purposes
Engaging and informative lectures
Interactive quizzes and assignments
Access to a supportive online community

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course content to be too advanced or technical
The course may not be suitable for those with limited background knowledge in biology or health sciences
The pace of the course may be too fast for some learners
Some users experienced technical issues with the platform or course materials
The course may be too time-consuming for those with busy schedules

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