Heather Bruce
Contact
Professor, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sci - Ag, Food & Nutri Sci Dept
- hbruce@ualberta.ca
- Phone
- (780) 492-2131
- Address
-
4-10N Agriculture/Forestry Centre
9011 116 St NWEdmonton ABT6G 2P5
Chair, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sci - Ag, Food & Nutri Sci Dept
- hbruce@ualberta.ca
Overview
About
Degree
Ph.D., Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta
Job/Research Area
Carcass and Meat Science
Research
Major Responsibilities/Research Interests
Research in the Carcass and Meat Science specialization will focus on the ante- and post-mortem factors that affect carcass yield/grade and meat quality. Specific research investigations will include examination of the effects of nutrition, genetics and management on carcass yield, muscle colour, and resulting meat toughness and sensory acceptability; determination of collagen cross-linking and how they affect meat toughness; and prediction of meat toughness and quality using non-invasive technology. The objective of the Carcass and Meat Science research program is to provide answers to concerns faced by the Canadian meat industry through basic as well as strategic research. The complementary teaching program is designed to provide the meat industry as well as the global meat research community with trained, highly qualified personnel. Dr. Bruce welcomes inquiries from students with strong academic and communication skills and training in animal, food, veterinary or biochemical science.
Courses
AFNS 521 - Meat Science
The conversion of muscle to meat in livestock and poultry: definitions and measurement of carcass and meat quality; influences of pre- and post-slaughter factors on carcass and meat quality. The lab will consist of a two-day field trip during Reading Week. Not to be taken if credit received for AN SC 420. Prerequisites: *3 BIOCH or AN SC 320, and consent of instructor.
AFNS 660 - Communication in Science
Course designed for graduate students in the early stages of their graduate program. Students will learn effective communication skills for life as a graduate student and a future scientist. Topics will include the scientific method; paper, thesis and grant writing; poster and lecture development and delivery; ethics in science; graduate student supervisor relationships. Preference given to those in the first year of their program. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
AN SC 400 - Individual Study
Project or reading course supervised by a Faculty member, requiring preparation of a comprehensive report. Prerequisites: Third year standing or higher and consent of Department. Note: May be taken more than once if topic is different.
AN SC 420 - Meat Science
The conversion of muscle to meat in livestock and poultry: definitions and measurement of carcass and meat quality; influences of pre- and post-slaughter factors on carcass and meat quality. The lab will consist of a two day field trip during Reading Week. Prerequisite: *3 BIOCH, AN SC 320, or consent of instructor.
AN SC 499 - Integrative Project in Animal Health or Animal Science
A team-based capstone course exploring broad areas of animal health or animal science. Students will work in groups with mentors on a project involving experiential learning and skill development related to the field. Credit cannot be obtained in both AN SC 499 and AN SC 479.
NU FS 374 - Food Fundamentals and Quality
Chemical, physical, and sensory properties of food products and factors affecting food quality in relation to preparation, processing, and storage of foods in the home and institution. Pre or corequisite: NU FS 372 or 373.