Course coordinator
Dr Andres Gambini
Contact by email or during lectures/practicals.�
Senior Lecturer in Animal Science, School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Gatton
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Agriculture and Food Sustainability School
This course will no longer be offered after Semester 2, 2025. The external offering of this course will no longer be offered after Semester 2, 2024. Enrolment enquiries should be sent to agriculture@enquire.uq.edu.au.
This course provides the underpinning science of reproduction in the horse and its application to the equine breeding industry. Anatomy, physiology, endocrinology and reproductive behaviour in the mare and stallion are discussed. Students gain extensive experience in reproductive management of the mare. Causes of reproductive wastage including infertility, embryonic and fetal loss and foaling difficulties and care of the neonate are covered. The theory and practice of ultrasonography are presented. Students gain experience in areas such as semen collection and evaluation. The principles or artificial insemination, embryo transfer and other assisted reproductive techniques are also covered. Facility design and stud farm management are also discussed. Evidence of immunity to Q fever and vaccination against tetanus is mandatory for the In Person offering of this course. Refer to UQ Student Immunisation Requirements for more information.
This course covers the theoretical and practical principles involved with the science and management of:
- breeding horses including mare and stallion reproduction, mating, foaling and artificial reproduction technologies;
- associated equine facilities including stallion accommodation, breeding sheds/yards, foaling paddocks/stables, weaning & handling facilities.
There is extensive hands on work with mares, foals, breeding and breeding evalution of stallions outside of the scheduled contact hours.
This course has mandatory immunisation requirements due to an increased risk of Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD) for students working with animals or in agricultural environments. Students will be asked to provide evidence of immunity to Q fever and vaccination against tetanus via my.UQ My Requests as a condition of enrolment in this course. Refer to UQ Student Immunisation Requirements for more information.
At the School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, we are committed to creating an inclusive and empowering learning environment for all students. We value and respect the diverse range of experiences our students bring to their education, and we believe that this diversity is crucial for fostering a rich culture of knowledge-sharing and meaningful exploration. We hold students and staff accountable for actively contributing to establishing a respectful and supportive learning environment.
Bullying, harassment, and discrimination in any form are strictly against our principles and againstﾠUQ Policy,ﾠand will not be tolerated. If you have any concerns about your experience in this course, we encourage you to tell a member of the course teaching team. Your well-being and a positive learning atmosphere are of utmost importance to us.
Course requirements
Assumed background
The successful completion of ANIM1014, ANIM1006, and ANIM2024 is needed for students undertaking this course.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ANIM1006
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ANIM2024
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ANIM1011, ANIM1967D, ANIM3031, ANIM7120
Restrictions
In person offering restricted to students who meet mandatory immunisation requirements.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Andres Gambini
Guest lecturer
Dr Danielle Fitzgerald
Tutorial coordinator
Mr Mitchell Coyle
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
There is extensive hands-on work with mares, foals, breeding and breeding evaluation of stallions OUTSIDE of the scheduled contact hours.
This course consists of lectures (in person, online, self-directed)ﾠand compulsory practical sessions (on campus). A detailed timetableﾠwill be published on the course Blackboard site, including dates, times, and locations. No live zoom sessions unless otherwise announced in BB.ﾠPracticalﾠgroup lists will be confirmed on Blackboard - so please stay up to date with the information posted.
All timetabled practicals and work conducted outside of the scheduled contact hours that directly involve animal contact have been identified as high-risk activities for Q-fever exposure.
Mobile phones are not to be used during practicals and when on-site visits. Always ask permission before taking pictures.
You are required to attend all practical classes - please remember to wear a hat and sunscreen, as well as the required clothing as identified in Learning Resources.
If you have any concerns regarding your official timetable or course allocations, or there are no suitable class times available, contact Faculty of Science Timetable science.mytimetable@uq.edu.au for advice.
If you have any questions about missing class activities, please contact your course coordinator.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to provide students with the underpinning knowledge and practical principles for the successful management of breeding horses.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
In-Semester Examination
|
30% |
11/09/2025
Complete and submit the exam through Blackboard during the scheduled 9:00am-12:00pm session. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection | Mare and Foal Care Assignment | 30% |
23/10/2025 4:30 pm |
| Examination |
Final Examination
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
In-Semester Examination
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
11/09/2025
Complete and submit the exam through Blackboard during the scheduled 9:00am-12:00pm session.
Task description
All lectures and practical activities delivered before the exam will be assessed.
The exam will be online as a Blackboard test invigilated in-person, on campus. A UQ computer will be made available to each student to complete this exam in the GEL-lab (8150-140). Have your UQ student ID card available for all of your exams. Students enrolled in In Person delivery must attend the exam in person.
Type of questions includes: MCQ, short answer, short essay, and/or problem-solving.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Refer to Additional course grading information – ‘Course Grading Rules and Assessment Hurdles’.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Please check Blackboard instructions.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Mare and Foal Care Assignment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
23/10/2025 4:30 pm
Task description
This is an individual assessment. The structure and other requirements of this assessment will be provided on BB.
During the semester, you will be expected to participate in activities related to mare oestrus cycle monitoring and foal care.
Details of the activities will be provided during your practical sessions.
***TAKE NOTE: These activities may take place outside of timetabled practical slots.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and/or Machine Translation (MT) tools, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which AI or MT will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission, independent of AI and MT tools.
The use of AI or MT must be acknowledged appropriately. Please see the assessment guidelines in the Blackboard course site for specific instructions.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your Assessment task, in Blackboard, via the Turnitin link by the submission deadline. You should also retain an electronic copy of every piece of assessment you submit.
Legal Declaration:
By submitting your work via this website, you formally declare that (1) it is your own original work, and no part of the work has been copied from any other source or person except where due acknowledgement is made; (2) no part of the work has been previously submitted for assessment in this or any other institution; and (3) you have read the Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy (https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=149) and understand its implications.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard, in accordance with the University's Assessment Procedure (located in the Policies and Procedures section of this course profile) which outlines the requirements for requesting extensions to assessment due dates. Extensions require the correct evidence/documentation to support the requested length of time of the extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).
Final Examination
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
Task description
The final exam will primarily assess the content not covered in the In-Semester exam. However, many foundational concepts introduced by our first lecturers are essential for understanding and answering questions on the topics covered after the In-Semester exam. This foundational knowledge is necessary and will be evaluated in the final examination.
The exam will be an on-campus exam. Have your UQ student ID card available for all your exams. Students enrolled in In Person delivery must attend the exam in person.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Refer to Additional course grading information – ‘Course Grading Rules and Assessment Hurdles’.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 0% - 34% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 35% - 46% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: 47% - 49% OR a failure to meet the identified assessment hurdle below. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 50% - 64% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 65% - 74% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 75% - 84% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 85% - 100% |
Additional course grading information
Course Grading and Assessment Hurdles:
- Students must obtain a passing mark in the combined cumulative result for the In-Semester and End-of-Semester examinations in order to pass the course.
If a student obtains an overall percentage greater than the cut-offs set to achieve a 4 or higher for the course based on marks from a combination of progressive assessment and examinations and the student does NOT score a passing mark in the combined result for the In-Semester and End-of-Semester examinations, they are unable to achieve a grade higher than a 3 (failing grade) for the course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Please note the following when writing assignments
You must not re-use past work from previous assessments in your assignments.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
All reported work must be done by the individual student. Assignments that look and sound alike will be reported as plagiarism – a serious offence at UQ. Please note the university’s policy on academic integrity and plagiarism which can be accessed at Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy.
TurnItInﾠ
Assignments that are required to be submitted through TurnItIn, must only be uploaded to the assessment specific Turnitin link on the relevant course Blackboard site. If you submit any version of your assessment item to any alternative Turnitin link, this is considered cheating and you will be held liable for this action.
Release of marks
Unless specifically indicated by the lecturer involved,ﾠevery attempt will be made to haveﾠthe results for progressive assessment tasks available within 3 weeks of submission. For items of assessment submitted in the last 2 weeks of the semester, the results will be available before the day of your end of semester examination in the course, unless otherwise indicated by the Course Coordinator. Results and feedback availability will be advised to you by email or announced via the course Blackboard site.ﾠ
Feedback in this course
Feedback is welcome in this course as any information on how students find this learning experience is constructive.
Please use the evaluation form provided to you at the end of semester - or if you are enrolled in In Person mode, a course evaluation process will occur in the last few weeks of semester.
Re-mark Applications - refer to the University's Re-mark Policy to check on your eligibility.
Before applying for a remark, students should consider the following:
- You have consulted the course coordinator for feedback
- Your academic grounds for remark have been discussed and are valid
- Wanting a higher grade is not grounds for a remark. A remark can decrease your grade.
Remark applications will not be considered without first having contacted your course Co-ordinator.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| ANIM2039 Course Blackboard Site | Blackboard is the main method of communication for this course. | |
| ANIM2039 Course Profile | Provides details of specifications, rationale, aims and structure of the course. It also informs you of the assessment for this course, including weighting and due dates. | |
| Enclosed leather shoes | Enclosed leather shoes are required for the horse handling. | own item needed |
| Long trousers/Jeans and collared shirt | Long trousers/Jeans and collared shirt are required for the horse handling. | own item needed |
| Laboratory coat | Students must bring a clean laboratory coat to each practical session or where advised by the Course Coordinator. | own item needed |
Additional learning resources information
The Equine Unit reproduction facilities, yards and the associated Australian Stock Horse stud will be utilised for this course.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
Fieldwork |
Field Trips and Industry Engagement During this course, students will have the opportunity to participate in field trips to gain additional knowledge and connect with the industry. These activities will be optional and may conflict with other scheduled activities from this or other courses. Information about field trips will be available on Blackboard as soon as the dates and transportation details are confirmed. |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 4 |
Lecture |
Module 1 - The mare and the foal Mare reproductive physiology. Oestrus cycle. Pregnancy, placenta, foaling and Lactation. Management of the Foal. Sub-activity: Week 1- Course presentation. Mare reproductive physiology. Oestrus cycle. Dr. Andres Gambini Weel 2 - Mare reproductive physiology. Pregnancy, placenta. Dr. Andres Gambini Week 3 - Mare reproductive physiology. Foaling and Lactation. Dr. Andres Gambini Week 4 - Mare reproductive physiology. Management of the Foal. Dr. Andres Gambini |
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Practical |
Practicals (animal and laboratory skills) Practicals: Mare ans Stallion reproductive physiology. Oestrus cycle. Pregnancy, placenta, foaling and Lactation. Management of the Foal. Preparation of mares and stallions for mating, Mating procedures, semen assesment and freezing, oocyte collection and manipulation, in vitro embryo production. Please note that some of these practicals are not scheduled on the timetable and run throughout the entire semester. Attendance and active participation in scheduled face-to-face practical classes is compulsory. Students who are unable to attend any of the practical classes: 1. MUST inform the Course Coordinator by email before the class they are unable to attend and (a) If ill or injured, provide a Medical Certificate to Reception in Building 8117A OR email to the course coordinator within 5 working days of the first class missed. You must state “your name” and the course code in the subject line (b) If NOT ill, provide a Statutory Declaration outlining the reason for the absence to the Course Coordinator by email. 2. Will be required to make up for missed time, at a date approved by the course coordinator.
|
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Week 8 |
Lecture |
Module 2 - Stallion, Donkeys and Mules Manipulation of the Oestrus cycle. Reproduction in Donkeys and Mules. Stallion reproductive physiology. Mating Management. Semen collection and assessment. Sub-activity: Week 5 - Mare reproductive physiology. Manipulation of the Oestrus cycle. Dr. Andres Gambini Week 6 - Reproduction in Donkeys and Mules (online). Dr. Amy McClean and Dr. Andres Gambini Week 7 - Stallion reproductive physiology and Mating Management. Dr. Andres Gambini Week 8 - Nutrition for optimizing reproduction. Dr. Danielle Fitzgerald |
Multiple weeks From Week 9 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Module 3 - Assisted Reproductive Technologies Assisted Reproductive Technologies Semen collection and artificial insemination, OPU, embryo transfer, In vitro embryo production (ICSI, Cloning, Stem cells). Sub-activity: Week 9 - AI and semen technologies. Dr. Andres Gambini Week 10 - Embryo Transfer and Cryopreservation. Dr. Andres Gambini Week 11 - OPU and ICSI. Dr. Andres Gambini Week 12. - Horse Cloning. Dr. Andres Gambini Week 13 - Review Lecutre - Application of ART into the Industry. Dr. Andres Gambini |
Additional learning activity information
The schedule above is subject to changes based on breeding activity schedules for the mares. The exact topic schedule will be shared with students on a weekly basis through blackboard. Due to the reproductive behaviour of horses, some of the work will need to be undertaken outside normal timetabled and/or rostered sessions to complete the horse breeding tasks, consequently, students will need to allocate their own time for this. This includes foaling down of mares which usually occurs at night. Please be aware that teaching at UQ may be recorded for the benefit of student learning. If you would prefer not to be captured either by voice or image, please advise your course coordinator before class so accommodations can be made.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
Course guidelines
Student immunisation requirements
The University policy Vaccination and Immunisation (Vaccinations and Immunisation Guideline / Document / Policy and Procedure Library) provides information about immunisation and screening requirements related to programs and courses. Failure to comply with student immunisation requirements can lead to an increased risk of serious illness occurring. Therefore, non-compliance will result in the relevant course/s being dropped from your enrolment under Section 3 of the Enrolment policy (Enrolment Procedure / Document / Policy and Procedure Library).