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ANSC30010

Academic Year 2024/2025

Animal Reproduction (ANSC30010)

Subject:
Animal Science
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Agriculture & Food Science
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Patrick Lonergan
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is for students with an interest in the physiology of reproduction in domesticated animals. The module includes comprehensive components on the physiological systems of reproduction and on the approaches that are used to manipulate reproduction in domesticated animals. The module gives students foundation knowledge of the physiology of hormones and pheromones of reproduction, ovarian and testicular function, sperm and oocyte development, embryo development, establishment and maintenance of pregnancy and parturition. In addition to basic physiology, the module includes a large component on the application of physiology and new technologies to animal reproduction in agriculture including factors affecting puberty; expression, detection and synchronization of oestrous behaviour; artificial insemination, in vitro embryo production and embryo transfer.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to: Explain and understand the endocrine control of reproduction in male and female mammals; Explain factors controlling sperm production, reproductive cycles, ovarian follicular growth and the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy; Understand the factors affecting reproductive efficiency in different farm species; Understand the benefits and potential impact of assisted reproductive technologies at farm level

Indicative Module Content:

Introduction
History of embryology
Testicular anatomy and function
Spermatogenesis & accessory glands
Semen collection and processing
Artificial insemination
Endocrinology (+ve & -ve feedback etc)
Reproductive cycles and hormones
Oogenesis and ovarian follicle development
Patterns of follicle growth
Luteolysis and maternal recognition of pregnancy
Sexual differentiation
Puberty
Pheromones
Oestrous behaviour and detection
Synchronisation of oestrus
Gamete transport and fertilization
Pregnancy and parturition
Embryo mortality
Superovulation and embryo transfer
In vitro embryo production
Cloning and transgenesis
Anoestrus - gestation, lactation, seasonal
Postpartum reproduction - Beef & Dairy
Reproduction in non-farm species

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

36
Practical

9
Autonomous Student Learning

55
Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The majority of the course is delivered through face-to-face lectures. Each student will visit UCD Lyons Research Farm on two occasions during teh term for practicals in (i) anatomy of the non pregnant female reproductive tract; (ii) anatomy of pregnancy; (iii) semen collection and processing; and (iv) manipulation of reproduction

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Students should have taken a basic course in biology before attempting this course.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Practicals to support lecture material will take place at UCD Lyons Farm in Weeks 5, 7, 9 and 11. Short questions will be completed at the end of each practical. Week 5, Week 7, Week 9, Week 11 Graded No
10
 No
Exam (In-person): Final MCQ/short answer-style exam covering all of the module content. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
50
 No
Exam (Online): This is an online multiple-choice quiz (MCQ)-style exam held through Brightspace. There will be approximately 50 questions based on the course material to date. Week 4 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No
Exam (Online): This is an online multiple-choice quiz (MCQ)-style exam held through Brightspace. There will be approximately 50 questions based on the course material to date. Week 8 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Results for in-term tests will be given within 2 weeks of sitting the test.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 Tues 15:00 - 15:50
Autumn Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 5, 7, 9, 11 Mon 13:00 - 16:50
Autumn Practical Offering 2 Week(s) - 5, 7, 9, 11 Tues 13:00 - 16:50
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