GENE251 Introduction to Breeding and Genetics

Credit Points 6
Offering
Location Teaching Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 2 Off Campus
Armidale Trimester 2 On Campus
Intensive School(s)
Start Finish Attendance Notes
11 August 2012 14 August 2012 Mandatory None
Supervised Exam There is a UNE Supervised Examination held at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled.
Pre-requisites BIOL110 or BIOL110A and BIOL120 or BIOL120A; for BAgBus students only: ANPR211 or ANSC200; or candidature in a postgraduate award in the School of Environmental and Rural Science or School of Science and Technology
Co-requisites None
Restrictions GENE351
Notes None
Combined Units GENE351 - Introduction to Breeding and Genetics
Coordinator(s) Cedric Gondro (cgondro2@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

This applied genetics unit introduces basic concepts of heritability, genetic variation and selection, genetic evaluation principles of breeding programs and new technologies used in animal and plant breeding (eg embryo transfer, gene markers, tissue culture). Students will obtain a basic understanding of quantitative genetic, animal and plant, breeding programs, and the role of new technologies affecting them. Students will be introduced to the applications of breeding programs and will be able to give advice in simple breeding problems. This unit is directly relevant to students interested in agricultural genetic improvement; but it is also relevant to students interested in quantitative traits applied to human and wild populations.
Prescribed Material
Mandatory

Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

GENE251/351 Resource Material

ISBN: ARDG01
School of Environmental and Rural Science

Note: On-campus students only. Available from the United Campus Bookshop, UNE

Text refers to: Trimester 2, On Campus

Genetic Improvement of Cattle and Sheep

ISBN: 9780851996424
Simm, G., CABI 2002

Text refers to: Trimester 2, On and Off Campus

Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Project 10% 500
Assessment Notes

abstract following format of scientific conferences and oral presentation

Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)

LO: 1-3 GA: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7
Quizes 15%
Assessment Notes

Problem Sets - 5 sets each 3% of grade - online via LMS, multiple choice

Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)

LO: 1-3 GA: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7
Report 15% 1500
Assessment Notes

Practical reports

Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)

LO: 1-3 GA: 1, 2, 4, 6
Unit Test 10%
Assessment Notes

online via LMS - multiple choice

Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)

LO: 1-3 GA: 1, 6
Final Examination 2 hrs 50% 2000
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)

LO: 1-3 GA: 1, 6

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. apply quantitative genetics;
  2. demonstrate a basic understanding of plant and animal breeding;
  3. demonstrate an awareness of how new technologies affect these disciplines.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1
Knowledge of a Discipline

Students are taught and practise the fundamental aspects of animal breeding and genetics and learn the basic skills for making practical breeding program decisions.

 True True True
2
Communication Skills

Students orally present a critical discussion of a topic in animal/plant breeding. Students also work in groups during practicals and to prepare a group presentation. Various assignments target scientific writing.

 True True True
3
Global Perspectives

Students examine animal/plant breeding issues from around the world.

 True True
4
Information Literacy

Students are instructed and assessed on the use of scientific literature. Students are shown how to find and use a wide range of sources.

 True True True
5
Life-Long Learning

Students are instructed in and practise learning skills that will be useful to them beyond the scope of the unit.

 True True
6
Problem Solving

Students work on several quizzes and practicals that involve problem solving.

 True True True
7
Social Responsibility

Students work on a topic in current genetics which is socially controversial (eg. cloning, GM crops) and must address not only the technical issues but also the social issues of the topic.

 True True True
8
Team Work

Students work in groups during practicals and also to prepare a presentation on a current topic in genetics.

 True