HV0212, Biology of the horse, 7.5 Hp
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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

5 / 4 / 3 / U

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

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.

•  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.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Animal Biosciences

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Animal Science and Sustainability (BSc)

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.

• 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.