GENE422 Genetic Evaluation and Breeding Program Design

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
22 August 2012 25 August 2012 Mandatory Internal Students: Mandatory Intensive School - 4 days. Further tutorials during semester External Students: Mandatory Intensive School - 4 days.
Supervised Exam There is no supervised examination.
Pre-requisites GENE251 or GENE351 or candidature in a postgraduate award
Co-requisites None
Restrictions GENE522
Notes None
Combined Units GENE522 - Genetic Evaluation and Breeding Program Design
Coordinator(s) Julius Van Der Werf (jvanderw@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

This unit provides both a theoretical and practical understanding of most aspects of modern breeding programs, including methods used to estimate breeding values, to derive breeding objectives and to balance multiple trait selection and inbreeding for sustainable improvement of animals. The potential role of reproductive and genomic technologies is evaluated. Students will become well aware of the role of breeding programs in the animal industries, and they develop skills to independently evaluate various aspects of breeding programs.
Recommended Material
Optional

Text(s):

Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library - purchase is optional

Introduction to Quantitative Genetics

ISBN: 9780582243026
Falconer, P.S. and Mackay, T.F.C., Longman 4th ed. 1996

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
Case Study 30% 2500
Assessment Notes

Case Study Portfolio (including seminar)

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

LO: 1-4 GA: 1, 2, 4, 6
Online Assessment 40%
Assessment Notes

online tests

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

LO: 1, 2 GA: 1, 2, 4, 6
Problem Sets 15% 1000
Assessment Notes

3 x online quizz worth 5% each

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

LO: 1- 4 GA: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
Unit Test 15% 1000
Assessment Notes

Online test

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

LO: 1-4 GA: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. demonstrate a good understanding of animal breeding and quantitative genetics theory;
  2. explain animal breeding programs and the effect of new technologies;
  3. integrate knowledge of genomics and genetic improvement; and
  4. solve animal breeding problems.

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

Students are taught and practise advanced aspects of animal breeding and genetics and learn the skills for making practical breeding program decisions. Students also develop a case study for a breeding program.

 True True True
2
Communication Skills

Students orally present the findings of their case study in animal breeding. Students also work in groups during practicals. Various assignments target scientific writing and students write a comprehensive report of their case study.

 True True True
3
Global Perspectives

Students examine animal breeding issues from around the world, including developing countries.

 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 True
6
Problem Solving

Students work on several quizzes that involve problem solving and also develop a case study.

 True True True
7
Social Responsibility

Students learn about sustainable animal improvement, considering animal welfare issues, and the social interaction between breeding programs and rural social infrastructure.

 True True
8
Team Work

Students work in groups during practicals.

 True