Key facts
UNE unit code: GENE351
*You are viewing the 2027 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
In this unit, you gain a technically focused introduction to applied quantitative genetics and its role in modern animal and plant breeding programs in agriculture. You explore the theory and practice of genetic selection, including the estimation of genetic parameters, prediction of genetic merit, selection response, genetic correlations between traits, and the management of inbreeding. You build an understanding of the consequences of selection decisions and what those decisions mean for breeding outcomes over time.
You also examine how breeding objectives in agriculture respond to industry needs and market demands, and how reproductive and genomic technologies are integrated into breeding strategies. This includes the estimation of breeding values, DNA testing, reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer in animals, and tissue culture in plants.
Across the unit, you gain experience analysing genetic evaluation datasets, interpreting outputs from genetic analyses, and applying quantitative information to advise farmers and breeders in simple breeding program scenarios.
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. Dates to be advised. |
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:
- apply principles of quantitative genetics theory to predict genetic merit, selection response and inbreeding in breeding programs for agricultural plants and animals;
- evaluate how current and future market conditions affect breeding objectives;
- critically evaluate the use of reproductive and genomic technologies in animal and plant breeding programs in agriculture;
- analyse datasets related to genetic evaluation and breeding programs and formulate evidence-based recommendations for applied breeding scenarios; and
- communicate complex quantitative genetics concepts and breeding recommendations using written reports and oral scientific presentations.
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 | 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. 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.
|
| 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 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. |
| 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 online 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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