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DRPS : Course Catalogue : Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies : Veterinary Sciences

Postgraduate Course: Data-Driven Breeding and Genetics Dissertation (VESC11277)

Course Outline
SchoolRoyal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies CollegeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate)
Course typeOnline Distance Learning AvailabilityNot available to visiting students
SCQF Credits60 ECTS Credits30
SummaryThis final year dissertation is a standalone research project which provides the opportunity to put into practice the taught material from the first two years of the programme to undertake novel, publication-quality research on real-life data, challenges, or theoretical studies in the field of breeding and genetics.
Course description During this Data-driven breeding and genetics dissertation course, students will draw on the skills and project proposal completed in the Research and professional skills for data-driven breeding and genetics course. Further, this course aims to consolidate and apply the biological, statistical, and computational skills acquired from the taught element of the programme to a standalone research project.
This course will predominantly consist of self-directed learning focusing on the research project, supported by expert supervision. The student will be required to engage and communicate with their UoE (and associated supervisors, where appropriate) over the course of the year. In addition to this there will be drop-in support sessions, practice presentations and guest lectures to nurture a sense of community amongst the course cohort.
At the completion of this course, the students will have specialised knowledge and experience in the chosen area of animal or plant breeding and genetics. The students will be able to perform a formal academic study in the topic of their research project and perform statistical and genetic analysis to address specific research questions.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate critical understanding of complex challenges in the field of animal and plant breeding and genetics and critically evaluate a wide range of sources in this field.
  2. Execute a significant project of research in the field of animal or plant breeding and genetics applying a range of specialised skills, data science and underpinning technologies.
  3. Analyse complex issues in the field of animal or plant breeding and genetics, demonstrate problem solving and propose solutions using a range of specialised skills, data science and underpinning technologies.
  4. Undertake critical evaluations of range of numerical and graphical data and be able to engage with a range of stakeholders to communicate effectively on the topic of animal or plant breeding and genetics.
  5. Take responsibility for own work, by demonstrating autonomy and initiative, and contributing to the field of animal or plant breeding and genetics.
Reading List
For this course, the resource list will consist of the main resources used across the programme, and specific references specific to each project will be provided by the supervisory team.
The reading list will be provided electronically via Resource Lists. Essential/recommended and further reading and resources that align with the content and course topics will be made available through the University Resource List platform.
Here is an example of potential resources to be included:

1. G Simm, G Pollott, R Mrode, R Houston, K Marshall. 2021. Genetic improvement of farmed animals. CABI.

2. G Acquaah. 2012. Principles of Plant Genetics and Breeding. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

3. D. S. Falconer and T. F. Mackay. 1996. Introduction to quantitative genetics. Longman.

4. B. Walsh, and M. Lynch. 2018. Evolution and Selection of Quantitative Traits. Oxford. [https://academic.oup.com/book/40062]
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Research and enquiry: The University of Edinburgh graduate develops their skills in research and enquiry, including problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking, and digital literacies.

Personal and intellectual autonomy: graduates use their personal and intellectual autonomy to think independently, exercise personal judgement, and analyse facts and data in order to develop appropriate solutions.

Communication: The University of Edinburgh graduate uses communication skills to articulate and effectively explain information, including complex data, to engage with different audiences or situations.
KeywordsResearch,real-world challenges,sustainability,food security,agriculture,genetics,breeding
Contacts
Course organiserDr Pau Navarro
Tel:
Email: Pau.Navarro@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMr Gordon Littlejohn
Tel:
Email: Gordon.Littlejohn@ed.ac.uk
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