ANSC40270 Advanced animal reproduction

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module is aimed at students taking the MSc in Animal Science. It is also suitable for PhD students working in the area of reproductive physiology in domestic animals.

The ability to reproduce is a defining feature of all living organisms. However, there are many factors which impinge on reproductive success. Reproductive efficiency is the main driver of profitability in livestock production systems. Understanding the factors that regulate the reproductive axis in males and females is essential to the successful manipulation of reproduction in order to optimise reproductive efficiency. This module is designed for graduates who want to develop expertise in reproductive biology as applied to livestock production systems. The online lectures and materials will give students the necessary theoretical foundation and applied focus to critically engage with the major issues in livestock reproduction. The module will begin with an overview of the anatomy and physiology of reproduction in livestock species and then go into detail on the application of assisted reproductive technologies to animal breeding (including artificial insemination, embryo transfer, in vitro fertilisation, sex-sorted semen, oestrous synchronisation, cloning, gene editing etc). Students will be exposed to some of the latest research in the area and will deepen their knowledge by preparing a literature review on a specific topic.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
Explain and understand the endocrine control of reproduction in males and females
Understand how to achieve high reproductive performance in dairy and beef cattle herds
Interpret and justify some of the management decisions that influence fertility in domestic animals
Critically evaluate research relating to animal reproduction

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

20

Tutorial

10

Practical

20

Specified Learning Activities

50

Autonomous Student Learning

100

Total

200

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module will be delivered through the UCD VLE system and practical tutorials that will consist of:
• Lectures
• Guest lectures by external experts from academia and industry
• Practical tutorials and peer-to-peer work
• Individual and group online presentations
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Literature review Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

40

Continuous Assessment: Will include participation in in class activities, assignments and presentations Throughout the Trimester n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

60


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will receive feedback from the online practical tutorials taken over the course of the trimester.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 

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