Print Syllabus

Syllabus

HV0131 Breeding 1, 7.5 Credits

Avel 1

Subjects

Animal Science Biology Animal science Biology

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	7.5	0201

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G2F)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent:

- 60 credits animal science or biology and 5 credits mathematics/statistics

Objectives

The aim of the course is to provide general knowledge in livestock breeding particularly aspects of conservation biology and inbreeding.

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• organise data in matrix form- use simple linear models to analyse and interpret biological data,

• explain basic genetic concepts in speech and writing and comprehensively describe the purpose of animal breeding,

• explain what biological variation means, what causes it and how it can be described,

• explain how genetic variation can be changed through evolutionary processes and natural selection and how genetic variation can be preserved,

• carry out simple calculations to estimate allele frequencies, genetic variation, heritabilities and genetic correlations as well as individual animals’ breeding value and inbreeding rate,

• describe various types of breeding programs and assess their consequences for the animals’ welfare,

• discuss ethical issues linked to genetics and animal breeding and formulate his own approach on such issues.

Content

The course starts with an overview of livestock breeding and its purpose. The course contains the following subject block: biological variation and the function of genes, population genetics, conservation biology, inbreeding, measures of genetic variation and relationships between traits and breeding programs. The course will deal with both natural selection and strategies for sustainable genetic improvement of domestic animals. Ethical questions are discussed continuously through the course.

Lectures are often followed by computer and calculation exercises. The student strengthens his/her knowledge through group discussions and project exercises. In the course, the students practice to express their own position. Compulsory components occur, in e g group discussions and project presentations. In the course, the following general skills are trained: problem-solving, communication in speech and writing as well as argumentation technique.

Grading form

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.

Formats and requirements for examination

Passed written and oral examination as well as approved participation in compulsory course elements.

• 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.

Transitional provisions

Exams: At least three retake sessions (renewed exams) must be offered within two years of the decision to cancel the course. Compulsory elements: At least one opportunity for a retake session must be offered within two years of the decision to cancel the course.

Other information

• 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.

Additional information

The course includes 6 credits genetics/breeding as well as 1.5 credits mathematics/statistics. The course assumes knowledge of basic genetics, regulation of gene expressions as well as basic statistical knowledge such as average, variation and statistical error margin and statistically ensured difference as well as analysis and interpretation of relationships between variables. Students who have passed the mathematics and statistics section in the courses HV0123, HV0110, HV0113 hold necessary prior knowledge in mathematics and statistics.

Responsible department

Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics