HND Applied Animal Science
Canterbury College
1. Title of the module: Genetics and Animal Breeding BI 529
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Department responsible for management of the module: STMS
Start date of the module: September 2005
The number of students expected to take the module: 15
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module none
The level of the module I
Number of credits which the module represents: 15
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern) Year 2
Prerequisite module: Animal Husbandry
Programme of study to which the module contributes: HND/C Applied Animal Science
11. Intended subject-specific learning outcomes:
At the end of the module the student will be able to:
a) Explain the principles of Mendelian genetics and calculate predicted results
b) Critically discuss the importance of an understanding of genetic effects in populations
c) Evaluate the methods and tools available for use in the selection of breeding stock
d) Evaluate modern practice in the management of breeding animals
e) Investigate the organisation of breeding operations
These will contribute to the following programme learning outcomes:
A
3, 4, 5
B
1, 3, 9
C
3, 4, 6
D
3, 4, 5, 6
12. Intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to programme
learning outcomes
At the end of the module the student will be able to demonstrate:
a) Critical thinking skills
b) Ability to work with complex material
c) Ability to analyse problems and identify appropriate solutions
d) Communication and report writing skills
e) Ability to scan and organise data, abstract meaning from information and share knowledge
with others
f) Effective self-management skills
g) Use of ICT to calculate predicted results and present them appropriately
These will contribute to the following programme learning outcomes:
A
3, 4, 5
B
2
C
3, 4
D
3, 4, 5, 6
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
An understanding of genetics has profound advantages for an animal breeder, but it is also
extremely important in other areas of animal science and management, such as conservation,
veterinary science and welfare. This module introduces the principles of genetics and explores
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HND Applied Animal Science
Canterbury College
genetic effects in individuals and populations. A number of authentic genetic examples are
considered in theory and in their application.
The use of genetic and other information in selecting animals suitable for breeding from is then
investigated before moving on to survey applied aspects of the management of breeding males
and females and their offspring.
Students will be expected to apply their knowledge ‘hands on’ in order to understand fully the
practical alternatives for appraisal of the systems and procedures in use. This will focus on the
differences between managing breeding and youngstock and managing non-breeding animals,
and this module will therefore relate closely to other modules, in particular Animal Husbandry.
14. Indicative Reading
Bowling A.T (1996) Horse Genetics, CABI
Bourdon R.M (1997) Understanding Animal Breeding, Prentice-Hall
Evans J.M and White K (1997) The Book of the Bitch, Ringpress Books
Gower J (1999) Horse Colour Explained: A breeder’s perspective, Marlborough: Crowood Press
Jones S (2000) The Language of the Genes, Flamingo
Nicholas F.W (1995) Veterinary Genetics, OUP
Rossdale P (2003) Horse Breeding, David and Charles
Thear K (1997) Incubation: a guide to hatching and rearing, Broad Leys Publishing
Vella C.M, Shelton L.M, McGonagle J.J and Stanglein T.W (1999) Robinson’s Genetics for Cat
Breeders and Veterinarians, 4th ed, Butterworth Heinemann
Willis M.B (1998) Dalton’s Introduction to Practical Animal Breeding, 4th ed, Blackwell Science
Website
www.vetgate.ac.uk
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including nature and number of contact hours and total
study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of
the intended learning outcomes
The total learning time for the module will be 150 hours. Learners will be expected to undertake
approximately 105 hours of independent study, including required reading, research and
assignment work.
There will be two hours of class contact time per week consisting of an appropriate mix of 1 hour
lectures, 1 hour seminars and 2 hour practical sessions over the year, totalling 45 hours. As
appropriate to the material being covered, industry visits will be undertaken enabling students to
relate formal principles acquired to their application in real situations. Seminars will typically
include discussions, problem-solving and case studies to which students will be expected to
contribute both as individuals and as part of a group.
The focus of the lectures will be on subject specific learning outcomes 11(a-e), of the seminars on
a combination of subject specific learning outcomes 11(a-e) and generic learning outcomes 12,
and of the practical sessions on a combination of subject specific learning outcomes 11(c,d,e) and
generic learning outcomes 12.
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning
outcomes
This module will be assessed by
 Examination (weighting 20%) including problem-solving, to demonstrate achievement of
learning outcome 11 (a).
 Case study analysis (length 1,500 words) demonstrating achievement of learning outcome 11
(b) (weighting 20%).
 Written assignment (3,000 words) to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes 11 (c,
d,e) (weighting 60%)
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HND Applied Animal Science
Learning Outcome
Canterbury College
To achieve this outcome a student must
demonstrate the ability to:
a) Explain the principles of
Mendelian genetics and calculate
predicted results
 Define principles of Mendelian genetics
 Calculate predicted results of monohybrid and
dihybrid crosses including examples of codominance, lethal genes and epistasis
 Calculate predicted results of monohybrid and
dihybrid crosses including examples of linkage and
sex-linkage
 interpret monohybrid and dihybrid genetics
problems including examples of co-dominance,
lethal genes and epistasis
 interpret monohybrid and dihybrid genetics
problems including examples of linkage and sexlinkage
b) critically discuss the importance of
an understanding of genetic effects
in populations
 Determine and explain gene and genotypic
frequencies in given populations
 Explain speciation and breed development in
terms of evolution of populations
 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of
inbreeding
 Evaluate breeding systems and assess the
importance of preserving genetic variation
c) Evaluate the methods and tools
available for use in the selection of
breeding stock
 analyse the use of genetic information as an aid to
selection of breeding stock
 Appraise a range of animals for breeding potential
with reference to specified breeding objectives
d) Evaluate modern practice in the
management of breeding animals
 Compare and contrast the behaviour, handling and
management of the stud male and breeding female
 Discuss management of the pregnant female and
her progeny from mating to weaning
 Identify problems that may arise in animal breeding
e) Investigate the organisation of
breeding operations
 Discuss facilities required for breeding animals
 Analyse the cost factors involved in breeding
animals
 Review the ethical and legal responsibilities of
animal breeders
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
There are adequate classrooms and resources. There is a dedicated HE, IT room in LRC in the
College main building where texts will be available.
18. As far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning and teaching methods
and forms of assessment do not present any non-justifiable disadvantage to students
with disabilities
Statement by the Director of Learning and Teaching: "I confirm I have been consulted
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HND Applied Animal Science
Canterbury College
on the above module proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and
required content of module proposals"
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Director of Learning and Teaching
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Date
Statement by the Head of Department: "I confirm that the Department has approved the
introduction of the module and will be responsible for its resourcing"
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Head of Department
March2011
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Date