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Syllabus

HV0167 Animal genetics - health, behaviour and welfare, 15.0 Credits

Husdjursgenetik - hälsa, beteende och välfärd

Subjects

Animal Science Biology

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Genetic analyses	3.0	0102
Plan research project	4.0	0103
Breeding work	8.0	0104

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to

- 180 credits at first cycle level, of which

- 60 credits biology, animal science, equine science, veterinary nursing or veterinary medicine of which 5 credits genetics or 60 credits agricultural sciences (of which at least 30 credits animal and dairy science/zoology and 5 credits genetics)

and

- English 6

Objectives

The course intends to provide advanced knowledge in disease genetics and the genetic background of behaviours, and understanding of the consequences of current breeding for animals’ health and behaviour, so that the student can work for better animal welfare.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• in detail describe the genetic control of different behaviour and health traits, how these traits have been changed during domestication and how they can be changed through breeding

• predict the consequences of breeding for the animals’ welfare - describe how molecular genetic methods are used to identify genes associated with disease and behavioural disorders

• analyse behaviour and health traits and discuss advantages and disadvantages with different methods and models

• integrate knowledge of genetics, health, behaviour and animal welfare to solve complex problems within animal husbandry

• independently search, summarise, interpret and critically review scientific articles about the genetics of behaviour and health traits,

• communicate and collaborate with people who have different areas of expertise

• discuss ethical issues linked to genetics of behaviour and health traits and formulate a position on such issues.

Content

Three parallel parts run along the whole course: lectures, case studies and own project work.

The lectures are about health and behaviour of agriculture-, sport- and companion animals and covers epidemiological methods, data recording, parameter estimation, molecular genetic methods, selection, genetic trends and breeding programs.

Ethical issues and animal welfare questions are integrated in the whole course. The students apply knowledge from lectures and course literature in four concrete cases. The students work with these cases in groups. Different groups work with different species and traits in each case. The case is completed with joint presentations and discussions. Two larger computer exercises about parameter estimation and selection are included in the course.

In the individual project, the student plans a scientific study within the genetics of behaviour- or health traits, writes a research application, presents the plan orally and evaluates other students’ applications. In the project, the student may specialise within optional species and focus on behaviour- or health traits. An ethical assessment should be included in the application.

Compulsory components occur, such as exercises, group assignments and presentations.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Passed written and oral examination. Passed participation in compulsory course modules.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

The course assumes good prior knowledge within Genetics/Animal Breeding and statistics/mathematics. Costs for study visits can be added.

Responsible department

Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics