The biology of the horse
The teaching comprises lectures, exercises, group discussions and projects. Managing organs and live animals may be included in the course. The course gives an introduction to Swedish horse industry and treats subject areas such as anatomy and physiology, ethology, breeding, reproduction, feeding, pasture management and horse keeping. Through the entire course, sustainability, health and welfare are key elements. The students are trained in critically reviewing and suggesting improvements in horse keeping systems.
Mandatory moments are included.
In the course the students practice management of horses and the following generic competences: scientific approach, scientific writing and oral presentation.
Information from the course leader
Welcome to ”The biology of the horse”!
The course starts August 30 at 13.00 online via zoom. Accepted students will get the link in a separate e-mail a few weeks before the start. Due to the current Covid-19 situation, lectures will mainly be given online while exercises and discussions which requires a higher degree of interaction will be given at campus Ultuna. At this course page you find list of course literature, a preliminary schedule and later also grading criteria. Note that there are compulsory activities in the schedule the first days. During the course we will use a “virtual course room” in Canvas, you will get more information in the coming e-email. We are looking forward to an interesting course together with you!
Åsa and Cecilia (course leaders)
Course evaluation
The course evaluation is now closed
HV0180-10003 - Course evaluation report
Once the evaluation is closed, the course coordinator and student representative have 1 month to draft their comments. The comments will be published in the evaluation report.
Additional course evaluations for HV0180
Academic year 2022/2023
The biology of the horse (HV0180-10157)
2022-08-29 - 2022-09-28
Academic year 2020/2021
The biology of the horse (HV0180-10080)
2020-08-31 - 2020-09-29
Syllabus and other information
Syllabus
HV0180 The biology of the horse, 7.5 Credits
Hästens biologiSubjects
Animal Science Biology Animal science BiologyEducation cycle
Bachelor’s levelModules
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Single module | 7.5 | 0101 |
Advanced study in the main field
First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirementsBachelor’s level (G2F)
Grading scale
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.
Language
EnglishPrior knowledge
Knowledge equivalent to:- 80 hp Animal Science or 80 hp Biology, of which at least 7,5 hp animal physiology, 5 hp breeding, and 7,5 hp nutrition
Exemption granted from the general entry requirement of Swedish
Objectives
The course gives the student basic knowledge about the biology, ethology, feeding, breeding and management of the healthy horse.
After the course, the student should be able to:
describe the anatomy, physiology, reproduction biology and behaviour of the healthy horse
describe and apply principles for breeding objectives and methods used within horse breeding
give an overview of the horse’s common diseases, injuries and genetic defects
describe the horse’s nutritional needs, feeding and digestion
perform body condition scoring and visitation of the horse
suggest measures for a sustainable horse keeping
Content
The teaching comprises lectures, exercises, group discussions and projects. Managing organs and live animals may be included in the course. The course gives an introduction to Swedish horse industry and treats subject areas such as anatomy and physiology, ethology, breeding, reproduction, feeding, pasture management and horse keeping. Through the entire course, sustainability, health and welfare are key elements. The students are trained in critically reviewing and suggesting improvements in horse keeping systems.
Mandatory moments are included.
In the course the students practice management of horses and the following generic competences: scientific approach, scientific writing and oral presentation.
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
Approved examination and project and active participation in mandatory activities.
- 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 examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the 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
Students that have passed the physiology part of the course "Djurens biologi 3 - fysiologi" has the necessary knowledge of physiology. Students that have passed the course "Djurens nutrition" 7,5 hp, HV0129 or "Djurens utfodring" 7,5 hp, HV0130 has the necessary knowledge in nutrition. Students that have passed the course "Avel 1" 7,5 hp, HV0131 or "Avel 2" 7,5 hp, HV0132 has the necessary knowledge in breeding.Responsible department
Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics
Further information
Grading criteria
| HV0180 The biology of the horse, 7,5 hp | ||||||
| Learning objectives | Not pass | Grade 3 | Grade 4 | Grade 5 | Type of examination | |
| 1. Describe the anatomy, physiology, reproduction biology and behaviour of the healthy horse | The student doesn't reach grade 3 for the learning objective | The student can describe the anatomy, physiology, reproduction biology and behaviour of the healthy horse | The student can describe the anatomy, physiology, reproduction biology and behaviour of the healthy horse and discuss how equine biological prerequisites should be considered in sustainable horse husbandry systems. | Exercise, Written examination | ||
| 2. Describe and apply principles for breeding objectives and methods used within horse breeding | The student doesn't reach grade 3 for the learning objective | The student can describe and apply principles for breeding objectives and methods used within horse breeding | The student can describe and apply principles for breeding objectives and methods used within horse breeding and discuss differences and conditions for different breeds. | Exercise, Written examination | ||
| 3. Give an overview of common diseases, injuries and genetic defects in horses. | The student doesn't reach grade 3 for the learning objective | The student can give an overview of common diseases, injuries and genetic defects in the horse. | The student can give an overview of the common diseases, injuries and genetic defects in horses and can relate these to how horses are kept and used. | Assignment genetic defects, Written examination | ||
| 4. Describe the nutritional needs, feeding and digestion in the horse. | The student doesn't reach grade 3 for the learning objective | The student can describe the nutritional needs, feeding and digestion in the horse. | The student can describe the nutritional needs, feeding and digestion of the horse and explain how different feeding strategies affect equine health and welfare. | Assigment feed ration calculations, Written examination | ||
| 5. Perform body condition scoring and visitation of the horse | The student doesn't reach grade 3 for the learning objective | The student can perform body condition scoring and visitation of the horse | Exercise | |||
| 6. Suggest measures for a sustainable horse keeping | The student doesn't reach grade 3 for the learning objective | The student can suggest measures for a sustainable horse keeping | The student can suggest, prioritize and evaluate measures for a sustainable horse keeping. | Group exercise, Written examination | ||
| Not pass | Grade 3 | Grade 4 | Grade 5 | |||
| Final course grade | The student doesn't reach grade 3 for one or more learning objectives | The student reaches grade 3 for all learning objectives. Pass written examination. Pass assignments and presentations. Attendence in compulsory activities. | In addition to the requirements for grade 3, the student must reach grade 4/5 for at least three of learning objectives 1 to 6 to reach grade 4. | In addition to the requirements for grade 3, the student must reach grade 4/5 for learning objective 6 and for at least three of learning objectives 1 to 4 to reach grade 5. | ||
| A final grade above grade 3 can only be reached at the two first examination occasions. From the third examination occasion only grade 3 can be reached. | ||||||
Litterature list
- Course literature [Course literature] (https://slunik.slu.se/kursfiler/HV0180/10003.2122/List_of_literature_HV0180_210618.pdf)