Biology of the horse
Course description
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.
Entry Requirements
60 credits Animal Science or Biology
7,5 credits animal physiology
7,5 credits animal nutrition
5 credits breeding
Course facts
HV0212, Biology of the horse, 7.5 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: PN-VH, 2024-04-23
Valid from : Autumn semester 2025 (2025-09-01)
Level
First cycle (G2F)
Main field of study
Animal Science, Biology
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
Swedish
Entry Requirements
60 credits Animal Science or Biology
7,5 credits animal physiology
7,5 credits animal nutrition
5 credits breeding
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
Subject-related content
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. Students will learn how to handle animals.
Teaching formats
The teaching comprises lectures, exercises, group discussions and projects.
The course focuses on the following general skills
Scientific methods, scientific writing and oral communication.
The following components are compulsory
Certain exercises.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Passed examination and project work together with active participation in compulsory components.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Animal Biosciences
Supplementary information
Included in program
- Animal Science and Sustainability (BSc)
- Agriculture with a Specialisation in Animal Science
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Single module | 7.5 | 0001 |
The Course Replaces
HV0180, HV0079, HV0153 and partly HV0105
Other Information
The entry requirement of 7,5 credits animal physiology may be fulfilled through completed course BI1410 Physiology of the animals or HV0204/HV0223 Animal physiology and histology or HV0157 Animal Biology 3 - Physiology.
The entry requirement of 7,5 credits animal nutrition may be fulfilled through completed course BI1411 Animal feeding or HV0129 Animal nutrition or HV0205/HV0208/HV0219 Animal nutrition.
The entry requirement of 5 credits breeding may be fulfilled through completed course BI1413 Animal Breeding or HV0206/HV0222
Animal breeding and genetics or HV0131 Breeding 1 or HV0132 Breeding 2.