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ANSC40310

Academic Year 2024/2025

Animal Genomics and Quantitative Genetics (ANSC40310)

Subject:
Animal Science
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Agriculture & Food Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Professor David MacHugh
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Online
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is for students taking the MSc in Animal Science. Content and will also be made available as part of structured PhD programmes.

The module is designed for life sciences graduates who wish to develop their expertise and extend their knowledge of genomics and quantitative genetics and how these scientific fields contribute to modern livestock breeding. In recent decades, genetic improvement of domestic animals has been revolutionised through integration of genome sequence information with quantitative genetic theory. These developments, coupled with recently developed technologies such as genome editing and high-resolution phenomics, are providing the scientific tools that will underpin future breeding programmes for sustainable animal agriculture, improved animal welfare, enhanced traceability, and healthier human diets.

The learning materials for this module will provide students with the knowledge and insight to understand and critically evaluate applications of modern technologies in animal breeding programmes.

Topics covered will include:
• The structure and function of animal genomes.
• Technologies for accessing, analysing, and applying genome sequence information in animal breeding.
• Genome editing in livestock species.
• Integrative genomics and computational biology in domestic animals.
• Livestock evolution, biodiversity, and conservation genomics.
• Theoretical foundations of quantitative genetics and animal breeding.
• Modern genome-enabled breeding programmes in practice.
• Commercial applications of genomics in domestic animals.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the biology of animal genomes and how genome sequence information can be leveraged for animal breeding and genetic improvement.
• Evaluate and understand how genome sequence information can be accessed at different scales and resolutions.
• Critically assess applications of genome editing in livestock species.
• Understand livestock evolutionary history, biodiversity, and the importance of genetic conservation.
• Understand the fundamental concepts, principles, and statistical framework of quantitative genetics and animal breeding.
• Evaluate modern genome-enabled breeding programmes in livestock.
• Evaluate commercial applications of genomic technologies in domestic animals.
• Collaborate and communicate with peers and other stakeholders to engage with, and critically evaluate the latest developments in animal genomics and breeding.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

60
Autonomous Student Learning

100
Lectures

24
Tutorial

16
Total

200

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module will be delivered through the UCD Brightspace VLE system and will consist of the following learning activities:
• Lectures (including guest lectures).
• Practical tutorials and peer-to-peer work.
• Individual and group online presentations.
• Asynchronous Discussion threads on Brightspace led by tutors.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


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
Individual Project: Animal breeding project where students have to pick bulls for a breeding scenario. They have to provide justification of their decisions and estimate the subsequent rate of genetic gain. Week 8 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
40
 No
Individual Project: Scientific paper review/critique project Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
40
 No
Individual Project: Write a scientifically informed newspaper article about a relevant equine breeding topic. This will assess the ability to communicate a complex scientific topic to a non-scientific audience. Week 15 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No

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
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Professor Emmeline Hill Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor David MacHugh Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Kieran Meade Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
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