Intensive MSc course: Genomic selection in livestock populations, 2 ECTS
Time: May 5 – 9, 2014
Place: Viikki Campus, Helsinki
Genomic selection is a new and rapidly developing tool in animal breeding which allows the
prediction of breeding values in all breeding goal traits for young animals based on whole genome
DNA markers. For MSc students knowing and understanding the basic elements and possibilities of
genomic selection is a must when graduating and applying for a job in animal breeding
organizations or companies working in the area. A course in genomic selection has previously been
given once in 2012 at the department of Agricultural Sciences in HU. Now the idea is to expand it
to Nordic and Baltic level to allow more interaction between students and exchange of knowledge
between countries in teaching this new topic. Post graduate courses in genomic selection have
been available in a couple of recent years, but they are missing on MSc level.
The aim of the course is to provide students a good understanding of methods used in prediction
of genomic breeding values (GBV), how they will be used in selection and what is the impact of
using GBVs in breeding programs.
The course links well with the BSc-level courses in breeding programs and MSc-level courses in
selection index theory and breeding programs provided at HU and other similar courses in other
Nordic and Baltic universities.
There has been active Nordic collaboration on research in genomic selection for dairy cattle due to
joint Nordic breeding program. There is an increasing need for experts working in this area in
Nordic and Baltic countries.
Objective and learning outcome: After the course the student understands the basic concept of
genomic information and its use in genomic evaluation. The student can estimate the genomic
relationships and inbreeding from marker data and knows how to utilize genomic breeding values
in breeding programs.
Contents: The course provides an introduction to statistical methods and genetic principles behind
genomic selection. Basic concepts of genomic breeding value estimation based on molecular
markers as well as some concepts of population genetics will be covered. Use of genomic selection
in breeding programs and controlling the inbreeding will also be covered. There will be several
teachers and each of them will take slightly different viewpoints to the problem.
1. Organization and implementation
The course will include lectures and practicals with hands on computing of GBVs using R and
tailored software. The course will also include short presentations by students about the use of
genomic selection in different countries. The assessment of learning outcome is via practicals and
presentation.
5 days (Mon – Fri) including 26 h lectures, 6 h group work, 8 h seminar, 14 h individual work = 2
ECTS points
Day 1:
Kari Elo: Introduction to structure of genome, SNPs and sequencing methods
Pekka Uimari: LD and GWAS
Get together party
Day 2:
Ismo Strandén: Genomic evaluation, bayesian models
Practicals
Day 3:
Esa Mäntysaari: Genomic evaluation, prediction of GEBVs
Practicals
Day 4:
Ole Christensen: Single step prediction of GEBVs
Jarmo Juga: Genomic selection in dairy cattle breeding programs
Day 5:
Seminar/Presentations by students
Course evaluation
Pekka Uimari is a professor in animal breeding, Kari Elo and Jarmo Juga are university lectures and
adjunct professors at HU. Jarmo Juga (HU) is the main coordinator and facilitator of the course.
Esa Mäntysaari is a professor and Ismo strandén a senior scientists in MTT developing new
methods in prediction of breeding values for Nordic evaluation. They both are also adjunct
professors. Ole Christensen is a senior scientist at Arhus University in Denmark, specialized in
genomic prediction methods.
How to apply to the course?
Please apply to the course by filling in the registration form and writing a short letter of motivation
and send them to jarmo.juga@helsinki.fi by Friday February 21, 2014 the latest. The number of
students accepted to the course is restricted to 20 and the eligible student should have a BSc in
animal breeding, animal science or genetics or equivalent studies.
NORDPLUS grant covers costs for travel (lump sum of 250 € for NOVA and BOVA students).
Accommodation will be covered for students coming to the course outside Finland. Meals during
the day are offered for all. The NordPlus secretariat will pay the lump sum directly to the eligible
students. Students living in Finland are not eligible for the travel grant.