Key facts
UNE unit code: GENE422
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Block F - On Campus
- Block F - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Equip yourself with more advanced knowledge of breeding programs, and genetics and genomics – and tools which are currently having a sweeping impact on our ability to effect genetic improvement and understand adaptation of populations to changing environments.
Studying this unit, you will gain an in-depth theoretical and practical understanding of the major aspects of modern breeding programs.
You will have opportunities to enhance your skills in breeding program design, with methods to estimate breeding values, genomic prediction from DNA test information, derive breeding objectives and balance multiple trait selection and inbreeding for sustainable improvement of animals.
Providing you with a comprehensive evaluation of the potential role of reproductive and genomic technologies, the unit will enable you to analyse, generate and communicate solutions for the complex animal breeding problems you may encounter.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Block F | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Block F | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 4 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | Both Online and On-Campus students must attend the mandatory intensive school. Ability to enrol in this unit will be removed approx two days prior to the commencement of this mandatory intensive school. 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:
- demonstrate advanced theoretical/technical knowledge of animal breeding and quantitative genetics theory;
- demonstrate advanced theoretical/technical knowledge of animal breeding programs and explain, in written or verbal formats, the effect of new technology to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
- integrate knowledge of genomics and genetic improvement and by doing so demonstrate the ability to analyse material critically, evaluate and transform it if necessary; and
- analyse, generate and transmit solutions to complex problems such as solving animal breeding problems.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case Study | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Portfolio. No. Words: 3000 |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 40% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled (Block F). The exam will be offered 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 Final Examination - Assurance Task and the Oral Examination - Assurance Task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Online Assessment | No | 10% | All offerings | A series of online multiple-choice quizzes. No. Words: 500 This assessment is non-mandatory. Students who do not submit this assessment will receive a mark of zero, which will be included in the calculation of the final unit grade at its stated weighting. |
| Oral Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Oral Examination related to the Case Study. Duration approximately 12-15 minutes. The oral examination will be offered face-to-face or online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across the Final Examination - Assurance Task and the Oral Examination - 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. | |
| Problem Sets | No | 10% | All offerings | Six Problem Sets. No. Words: 1000 This assessment is non-mandatory. Students who do not submit this assessment will receive a mark of zero, which will be included in the calculation of the final unit grade at its stated weighting. |
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.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?
UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.
What happens next?
Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.
2027 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
