Breeding 1

Additional course evaluations for HV0131

HV0131 Breeding 1, 7.5 Credits

Avel 1

Syllabus approved

2016-11-08

Subjects

Biology Animal science

Education cycle

First cycle

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, at least 60 credits from first-cycle courses as entry requirements(G2F)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent:
- 60 credits animal science or biology and 5 credits mathematics/statistics

Objectives

The aim of the course is to provide general knowledge in livestock breeding particularly aspects of conservation biology and inbreeding.

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- organise data in matrix form- use simple linear models to analyse and interpret biological data,
- explain basic genetic concepts in speech and writing and comprehensively describe the purpose of animal breeding,
- explain what biological variation means, what causes it and how it can be described,
- explain how genetic variation can be changed through evolutionary processes and natural selection and how genetic variation can be preserved,
- carry out simple calculations to estimate allele frequencies, genetic variation, heritabilities and genetic correlations as well as individual animals’ breeding value and inbreeding rate,
- describe various types of breeding programs and assess their consequences for the animals’ welfare,
- discuss ethical issues linked to genetics and animal breeding and formulate his own approach on such issues.

Content

The course starts with an overview of livestock breeding and its purpose. The course contains the following subject block: biological variation and the function of genes, population genetics, conservation biology, inbreeding, measures of genetic variation and relationships between traits and breeding programs. The course will deal with both natural selection and strategies for sustainable genetic improvement of domestic animals. Ethical questions are discussed continuously through the course.

Lectures are often followed by computer and calculation exercises. The student strengthens his/her knowledge through group discussions and project exercises. In the course, the students practice to express their own position. Compulsory components occur, in e g group discussions and project presentations. In the course, the following general skills are trained: problem-solving, communication in speech and writing as well as argumentation technique.

Formats and requirements for examination

Passed written and oral examination as well as approved participation in compulsory course elements.

• If the student fails a test, the examiner may give the student a supplementary assignment, provided this is possible and there is reason to do so.
• If the student has been granted special educational support because of a disability, the examiner has the right to offer the student an adapted test, or provide an alternative assessment.
• If changes are made to this course syllabus, or if the course is closed, SLU shall decide on transitional rules for examination of students admitted under this syllabus but who have not yet passed the course.
• For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.

Other information

• The right to take part in teaching and/or supervision only applies to the course date to which the student has been admitted and registered on.
• If there are special reasons, the student may take part in course components that require compulsory attendance at a later date. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.

Additional information

The course includes 6 credits genetics/breeding as well as 1.5 credits mathematics/statistics. The course assumes knowledge of basic genetics, regulation of gene expressions as well as basic statistical knowledge such as average, variation and statistical error margin and statistically ensured difference as well as analysis and interpretation of relationships between variables. Students who have passed the mathematics and statistics section in the courses HV0123, HV0110, HV0113 hold necessary prior knowledge in mathematics and statistics.

Responsible department

Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics

Further information

There are no Grading criteria posted for this course