Key facts
UNE unit code: GENE251
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Whether your interest is in agricultural genetic improvement, or you want to learn more about quantitative traits applied to human and wild populations, this unit gives you a broad introduction to applied genetics.
You will explore basic concepts of heritability, genetic variation and selection, genetic correlations between traits, genetic evaluation principles and applications of selection in breeding programs, equipping you with the knowledge and understanding of consequences of selection and genetic change.
This unit also provides opportunities to hone your understanding of new technologies and cutting-edge methods used in animal and plant breeding and what can be achieved by genetic improvement.
These technologies include estimation of breeding values, DNA testing, reproductive technologies such as AI and ET in animals and tissue culture in plants.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 2, Online | The Intensive School is mandatory for online students. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a broad theoretical/technical knowledge of the subject by applying quantitative genetics;
- demonstrate a broad understanding of plant and animal breeding;
- demonstrate a broad theoretical/technical knowledge of how new technologies affect these disciplines; and
- communicate information about the subject to others using verbal and written formats.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across the Project - Assurance Task, Final Examination - Assurance Task and Unit Quiz - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. |
| Practical | Yes | All offerings | The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence | |
| Project - Assurance Task | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Abstract following format of scientific conferences and oral presentation. No. Words: 1200 To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Quizzes | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Problem Sets - online. |
| Unit Quiz - Assurance Task | Yes | 15% | All offerings | No. Words: 1350 This quiz is invigilated in person on computers during a practical session for on campus students and the intensive school for off-campus students. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across the Project - Assurance Task, Final Examination - Assurance Task and Unit Quiz - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Genetic Improvement of Farmed Animals
ISBN: 9781789241716
Simm, G., Pollott, G., Mrode, R., Houston, R., and Marshall, K., CABI 1st ed. 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
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