Module Identifier RSM0710  
Module Title EQUINE GENETICS  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Dr Basil T Wolf  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Dr Neil F G Beck  
Course delivery Lecture   1 x 1 hour lecture per week  
  Practical   4 x 3 hour practicals during semester  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Review essay Outcomes assessed: 350%
Semester Exam2 Hours Outcomes assessed: All  50%
Supplementary Exam3 Hours Examination, to cover all outcomes100%

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module students will be able to:

1.   Describe the inheritance of Mendelian traits in the horse.

2.   Discuss the relative importance of genotype and environment in the inheritance of metric traits.

3.   Identify and discuss the biological, economic and practical constraints which influence the success of genetic improvement schemes in horse.

4.   Evaluate scientific, practical, and ethical issues in the application of emergent technologies in cell genetics.

Brief description

This module considers the potential for genetic improvement of the horse for leisure and sport. Starting with an overview of the principles of Mendelian inheritance applied to coat colour, disease and polymorphisms suitable for parentage testing, this course advances to a discussion of the effects inbreeding and heterosis. The principles of quantitative genetics are outlined and their application to the improvement of horses for leisure, racing, jumping and dressage are discussed. Recent advances in molecular genetics and their application to horse improvement are considered.

Aims

This module aims to provide the student with:

An understanding of the principles of Mendelian and quantitative genetics and their application to the genetic improvement of the horse.

Module Skills

Problem solving The assignment involves the solution of problems related to equine breeding programmes.  
Communication Students' ability to communicate in writing will be developed and assessed by both assignment and examination.  

Reading Lists

Books
** General Text
Bowling AT and Ruvinsky A (2000) The genetics of the horse CABI 0851994296
Bowling, A T (1996) Horse Genertics CAB International 0851991017

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7