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Course profile

Animal Breeding & Molecular Genetics (ANIM2503)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
Gatton
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
Gatton
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
Gatton
Coordinating unit
Veterinary Science School

Genetic principles of inheritance, the molecular underpinnings of gene structure & function, & the basis of diseases of a genetic origin. Analysis for animal breeding programs to control disease or improve animal production.

This course provides the basic knowledge and skills needed to explain the pathogenesis of genetic disease, understand current diagnostic and predictive tools, and provide sound advice to breeders to control genetic disease or improve animal production. We outline the basis of diseases with a significant genetic component and the principles of genetic analysis for animal breeding. We will also build on your prior biological knowledge to explore the principles of genetic technologies, the molecular underpinnings of gene structure and function, and the use of modern breeding strategies.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Students should have a background in basic biology and biochemistry, as well as an understanding of animal production systems in Australia.

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

AGRC1041 or AGRC2001

Restrictions

Enrolment restricted to Bachelor of Veterinary Technology, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) students only.

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Please be aware that due to unforeseen circumstances it may be necessary to make changes to the timetable throughout the semester and so it is important to check ANIM2503 Blackboard site regularly. Students will be notified of changes to the timetable via Blackboard Announcements.

Aims and outcomes

The aim of this course is to provided the basic skills needed to explain the pathogenesis of genetic disease, understand current diagnostic and predictive tools, and provide sound advice to breeders to control genetic disease or improve animal production.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Explain how mutations and chromosomal abnormalities arise, and relate these to the pathogenesis of disease.

LO2.

Apply the use of molecular markers in diagnostics and animal breeding, explain their underlying methodologies, and evaluate their strengths and limitations as a diagnostic tool.

LO3.

Explain the screening and treatment options for genetic diseases and genetic technologies for animal improvement.

LO4.

Design animal breeding plans for disease control and animal production, based on sound genetic principles.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Quiz Quiz 1
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
15%

15/08/2024 2:00 pm

Quiz Quiz 2
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
15%

9/09/2024 2:00 pm

Quiz Quiz 3
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
15%

24/10/2024 10:00 am

Examination End of Semester Examination
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
55%

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Assessment details

Quiz 1

  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Quiz
Weight
15%
Due date

15/08/2024 2:00 pm

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

Quiz 1 will be held in-person in Week 4 during the third scheduled lecture session timeslot (15 August, 2024; open from 1pm to 2pm). It will cover lecture content from weeks 1 - 4, inclusive. The quiz will include multiple choice and short answer questions. This quiz will be a 30-minute Inspera platform quiz.  The exam will incorporate a range of questions available in the Inspera examination platform.

 

Submission guidelines

The quiz will use the online Inspera platform. However, the quiz must be done in-person by students using their own personal devices. No Safe Exam Browser is necessary for the quiz. A login password will be provided during the scheduled quiz time by a member of course staff, which students will need to open the quiz in Inspera. The quiz will have a duration of 30 minutes. Inspera will show you a countdown timer. The summary page shows a ‘SUBMIT NOW’ button that students must click to submit their answers. After submission, students will receive a confirmation on the dashboard that they have submitted and can no longer edit responses. 

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Quiz 2

  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Quiz
Weight
15%
Due date

9/09/2024 2:00 pm

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

Quiz 2 will be held in-person in Week 8 during the first scheduled lecture session timeslot (09 September, 2024; open from 1pm to 2pm) and will cover the lecture and practical contents of weeks 5 - 7, inclusive. It will comprise a mix of multiple choice and short answer questions. This quiz will be a 30-minute Inspera platform quiz. The exam will incorporate a range of questions available in the Inspera examination platform.

 

Submission guidelines

The quiz will use the online Inspera platform. However, the quiz must be done in-person by students using their own personal devices. No Safe Exam Browser is necessary for the quiz. A login password will be provided during the scheduled quiz time by a member of course staff, which students will need to open the quiz in Inspera. The quiz will have a duration of 30 minutes. Inspera will show you a countdown timer. The summary page shows a ‘SUBMIT NOW’ button that students must click to submit their answers. After submission, students will receive a confirmation on the dashboard that they have submitted and can no longer edit responses. 

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Quiz 3

  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Quiz
Weight
15%
Due date

24/10/2024 10:00 am

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

Quiz 3 will be held in-person in Week 12 during the scheduled tutorial session (24 October, 2024; open from 8am to 9am).  It will cover the lecture and practical contents from weeks 9 - 12 inclusive. It will comprise a mix of multiple choice and short answer questions. This quiz will be a 30-minute Inspera platform quiz. The exam will incorporate a range of questions available in the Inspera examination platform.

 

Submission guidelines

The quiz will use the online Inspera platform. However, the quiz must be done in-person by students using their own personal devices. No Safe Exam Browser is necessary for the quiz. A login password will be provided during the scheduled quiz time by a member of course staff, which students will need to open the quiz in Inspera. The quiz will have a duration of 30 minutes. Inspera will show you a countdown timer. The summary page shows a ‘SUBMIT NOW’ button that students must click to submit their answers. After submission, students will receive a confirmation on the dashboard that they have submitted and can no longer edit responses. 

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

End of Semester Examination

  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
55%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Task description

The end of semester exam will cover the content of the lectures, practicals and tutorials of the whole semester. The exam will encompass short essay and problem-solving questions based on genetic disease case studies, genetic research scenarios and animal breeding goals. The exam will incorporate a range of questions available in the Inspera examination platform. This exam will be a 120-minute Inspera platform exam, with an additional 10 minutes planning time

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 120 minutes
Calculator options

(In person) Casio FX82 series or UQ approved , labelled calculator only

Open/closed book Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted
Exam platform Inspera
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: 0-29%

2 (Fail)

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: 30-44%

3 (Marginal Fail)

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: 45-49%

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

To pass the course, students must obtain an overall mark of 50% or more AND obtain a mark of 45% or greater on the End of Semester Exam.

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

EXAMS - For INSPERA exams, the summary page shows a ‘SUBMIT NOW’ button that students must click to submit their answers. After submission, students will receive a confirmation on the dashboard that they have submitted and can no longer edit responses. For all End of Semester exams with durations of 60, 90, 120 or 180 minutes you will receive an additional 10 minutes of planning time to read the examination questions and plan your responses, but you may commence working if you wish. You must check before the exam that your laptop meets the device requirements for Inspera assessments. If you do not own a suitable laptop, you can borrow one from the LibraryGet familiar with Inspera provides the most up to date information for students about using Inspera. Power outlets will not be available during exams.

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.

Additional learning resources information

The Blackboard site available for this course will provide access to lecture notes and quick reference guides, practical and tutorial notes, and suggested additional reading andᅠ websites for accessing genetic information. It will also provide a link to the UQ ePortfolio system.

The School of Veterinary Science has developed a list of core technical skills that you will achieve by the time of graduation. You now have the opportunity to self-assess the skills on the list. The link to the ePortoflio for the BVSc (Hons) Core Technical Skills is available on the Veterinary Skills Hub Blackboard Site.


Ensuring work-life balance and seeking help at an early stage are key attributes for successful study at university. UQ Student Servicesᅠand the Student Union (UQU) provide many resources for students studying at UQ. Student Services provide a range of mindfulness programs and counselling services to help improve confidence and overall wellbeing. UQU also provide a range of student support, welfare and wellbeing resources.

If immediate help is needed, please call the 24/7ᅠUQ Counselling and Crisis Line 1300 851 998 

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks
Lecture

Genetic Fundamentals and Genetic Testing

This lecture series explores genetic fundamentals of inheritance and mutation in animals, and the principles and technologies for genetic testing and other applications.

Practical

Genetic Testing Practical and Tutorials

Practical, self-directed learning and tutorial activities will provide an opportunity for students to explore the hands on laboratory techniques applicable to the isolation of genetic material and diagnosis of genetic diseases and the knowledge and skills to analyse their results.

Lecture

Genetic Diseases and Population Genetics

This lecture series introduces some of the applications of genetics in the study of genetic diseases. We will explore the genetic processes affecting populations, including wildlife populations, and the use of genetic markers in individuals and populations.

Tutorial

Population Genetics Tutorials

A series of small group tutorials and larger group calculation practice sessions will provide opportunities for students to apply lecture content to a diverse range of genetic disease and population scenarios.

Lecture

Animal Breeding Programs

This lecture series explores the principles of selective breeding to improve animal production and to reduce the incidence of genetic diseases.

Tutorial

Animal Breeding Tutorials

A series of small group tutorials and larger group calculation practice sessions will provide opportunities for students to apply lecture content to animal breeding scenarios.

Lecture

Semester Review

Week 13 will provide review lectures and tutorials of the entire subject and offer an opportunity to practice exam questions

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:

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: