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Discovering Dairy: What's in Your Milk?

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Discovering Dairy: What's in Your Milk?

This course is part of Dairy Nutrition for Udder Success Specialization

Instructors: Juan Loor

Included with

Learn more

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

No prior experience required

9 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

No prior experience required

9 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Understand mammary gland anatomy and development stages.
Analyze milk composition and its nutritional variations.
Evaluate mastitis prevention strategies and treatments.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

91% of learners achieved a positive career outcome

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Dairy Nutrition for Udder Success Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course

This course offers a foundational introduction to lactation biology, focusing on the anatomy, development, and function of the mammary gland. Students will explore the processes of milk production, secretion, and removal, and examine the nutritional composition of milk—including fats, proteins, lactose, vitamins, and minerals. The course also covers milk’s role in human health, including infant development and lactose intolerance, as well as the significance of bioactive milk components. In the final module, learners will gain insight into mammary health, identifying common conditions like mastitis and edema, and exploring prevention strategies. Designed for learners from diverse backgrounds, this course provides a comprehensive overview of milk science and its biological and nutritional importance.

This course is part of the College of ACES suite of online programs, including the graduate certificate, "Dairy Nutrition for Udder Success" that can be stacked toward an advanced degree in the College of ACES. To learn more about online programs from the College of ACES and explore ways to apply your Coursera work toward a degree program at the University of Illinois, visit ACES Online at acesonline.illinois.edu.

Module details

In the course orientation, you'll get to know the course, your classmates, and our learning environment, and gain the technical skills needed. Then, start your journey into lactation science by exploring the anatomy of the mammary gland and the stages of its development. You'll also learn how milk is produced and removed through the processes of lactogenesis, secretion, and removal. By the end of this module, you'll have a solid understanding of how the mammary gland functions to support milk production.

What's included

12 videos4 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

12 videosTotal 36 minutes

Course Overview1 minute
Meet Your Instructor | Dr. Juan Loor 2 minutes
Meet Your Instructor | Dr. Derek Nolan1 minute
Module 1 Overview1 minute
Mammary Anatomy 4 minutes
Microscopic Anatomy2 minutes
Pre Pubertal Mammary Development and Nutritional Regulation4 minutes
Embryonic Development4 minutes
Pregnancy and Mammary Development5 minutes
Lactation4 minutes
Involution6 minutes
Module 1 | Wrap-up1 minute

4 readingsTotal 40 minutes

Syllabus10 minutes
Learn More About Flexible Pathways10 minutes
Updating Your Profile10 minutes
We Can Influence Mammary Growth 10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Orientation Quiz30 minutes
Module 1 | Knowledge Check30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Getting to Know Your Classmates10 minutes

Dive into the composition of milk and discover what makes it such a unique and nutritious food. You'll explore its major components—fats, proteins, lactose, vitamins, and minerals—and learn how different types of milk, such as organic, A2/A2, and rBST-free, compare. This module will help you explain the nutritional roles of milk’s key ingredients.

What's included

10 videos2 readings1 assignment

10 videosTotal 42 minutes

Module 2 Overview1 minute
Milk Fat4 minutes
Milk Protein and Lactose4 minutes
Minerals & Vitamins2 minutes
Milk and Human Health with Dr. Massimo Bionaz10 minutes
Organic vs. Conventional Milk7 minutes
A1/A2 Milk: What’s the Difference?3 minutes
A1 vs. A2 Milk with Dr. Massimo Bionaz 4 minutes
rBST-Free: Hormone-Free Claims Explained4 minutes
Module 2 | Wrap-up1 minute

2 readingsTotal 20 minutes

Unprecedented Genetic Gains Are Driving Record Milk Components10 minutes
Dairy Milk Label Claims – What Do They Mean?10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 2 | Knowledge Check30 minutes

This module focuses on milk’s role in human nutrition and how it’s represented on store shelves. You'll learn about lactose intolerance, the health benefits of bioactive milk components, and milk’s importance in infant development. By the end, you’ll be able to interpret milk labels and understand milk’s broader dietary significance.

What's included

11 videos1 assignment

11 videosTotal 39 minutes

Module 3 Overview1 minute
Milk, Infant Development, and Health2 minutes
Lactose Intolerance3 minutes
Does Consumption of Milk Make Stronger Bones? with Dr. Massimo Bionaz8 minutes
Bioactive Peptides4 minutes
Milk Proteins and Bioactive Compounds with Dr. Massimo Bionaz 10 minutes
Milk Fat Globule Membrane3 minutes
Oligosaccharides3 minutes
Exosomes and Small RNA Molecules3 minutes
Whole vs. Low Fat Milk with Dr. Massimo Bionaz 0 minutes
Module 3 | Wrap-up1 minute

1 assignmentTotal 30 minutes

Module 3 | Knowledge Check30 minutes

Explore the basics of mammary health, including common conditions that affect the udder. You'll learn to distinguish between mastitis and intramammary infections, recognize symptoms of mammary edema, and understand prevention strategies. This module lays the groundwork for identifying and managing udder health issues. At the conclusion of this module, you will be ready to complete the final assessment for the course and earn your Coursera certificate!