Animal genetics - health, behaviour and welfare
Course description
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.
Entry Requirements
- 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
Course facts
HV0167, Animal genetics - health, behaviour and welfare, 15.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: PN-VH, 2024-04-23
Valid from : Spring semester 2025 (2025-01-20)
Level
Second cycle (A1N)
Main field of study
Biology, Animal Science
Biology Area
Zoology (animal biology)
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.
Course language
English
Entry Requirements
- 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.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Passed written and oral examination. Passed participation in compulsory course modules.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Animal Biosciences
Supplementary information
Included in program
- European Master in Animal Biodiversity and Genomics
- Husdjursvetenskap - masterprogram
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Genetic analyses | 3.0 | 0102 |
| Plan research project | 4.0 | 0103 |
| Breeding work | 8.0 | 0104 |
The Course Replaces
HV0102, HV0103, HV0114
Other Information
To assimilate the course content, students should have good prior knowledge within Genetics/Animal Breeding and statistics/mathematics.
Expenses related to field trips may occur.