Postgraduate Course: Sustainable Breeding and Genetics (VESC11283)
Course Outline
| School | Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies |
College | College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
| Course type | Online Distance Learning |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | We showcase the huge breadth of species discussed in this postgraduate online course and why we focus time and attention on sustainable improvement through breeding programmes for various end uses (food, feed, fuel, food, and fibre). Despite selective breeding tools being applied for thousands of years, their use now is more important than ever in addressing some of the biggest global challenges in the Anthropocene. Examples span the Global North and South to review the breeding systems used for different species and the scales at which these operate.
Further, this course will also introduce the students to the programming language R and the computational and statistical skills to understand the quantitative elements of breeding and genetics and where, how, and when to apply it. As we go through the course, we will see how biology, technology, statistics, and computation are intricately linked in the field of sustainable breeding and genetics. |
| Course description |
Through this course we aim to describe why breeding and genetics in species used for food, feed, fuel, and fibre production is so important and how this can be approached sustainably. Where appropriate, we relate the research in breeding and genetics to the relevant United Nations Sustainable Development goals (https://sdgs.un.org/) to highlight the application of this field of science to achieving sustainable development.
We explore the reproductive biology and genetics required to understand selective breeding in practice and the statistics and technology necessary to optimise our approaches. We also introduce students to the programming language R, a highly-transferable language for data handling and analysis. As we go through the course we see the themes of biology, statistics and computation are intricately linked in the field of breeding and genetics.
Key concepts and principles will be introduced and explored in pre-recorded lectures and invited seminars, as well as through discussion boards and practical online activities. This will be accompanied by recommended reading.
Themes covered during this 5-week course will include:
*Big challenges*
We set the scene by observing the big picture; What global challenges (over population, food security, use of environmental resources, land space, emissions) do we currently face which breeding and genetics could be used to address? We showcase the huge breadth of species discussed in this course and why we focus time and attention on their improvement through breeding programmes for various end uses. We look at the origins and history of animal and plant breeding and how it leads to contemporary tools and approaches. The course spans across the Global North and South to review the breeding systems used for different species and the scales at which these operate.
*Biology and Variation*
We look at the central dogma of genetics (DNA, RNA, protein) and the basic structure and role of chromosomes, genes and variants or 'alleles'. We look at ploidy as an important consideration, particularly in plants. The importance of heritable variation between individuals is flagged as necessary for Darwinian evolution and selective breeding and the intricacies of trait architecture, phenotypes and gene action are discussed. The key reproductive principles of the main domesticated animal and plant species used in breeding are also explored and compared.
*Strategies for genetic improvement*
We review different strategies for genetic improvement in animals and plants. We introduce the breeder's equation and explore the role of additive genetic variation as a key parameter in this. Case studies from across the Global North and South provide insight into various approaches to breeding and the important consideration of matching genes to their environment.
*Traits & selection goals*
We look at bringing traits together into selection goals and ultimately taking a more holistic, sustainable approach to breeding. We look at the traits of importance in key domesticated species and how this affects the composition and economics of different selection goals and the environment in which they are implemented.
*Technology*
We touch on the evolution of genetic markers, sequencing approaches, and genomics. We will consider reproductive technologies and how to capture previously difficult-to-measure phenotypes.
*R*
We introduce the students to R, a programming language for statistical computing, data visualisation, and data analysis, and R studio. We perform simple tasks such as loading packages and data.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2025/26, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
MVM Online Learning Block 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Online Activities 33,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
65 )
|
| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Formative: There will be a number of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) to assess knowledge and understanding of sustainable breeding and genetics, and simple R exercises. Discussion boards will also provide opportunities for feedback.
Summative assessments:
1. MCQs in relation to knowledge and understanding of sustainable breeding and genetics and data analysis in R (20%)
2. MCQs in relation to knowledge and understanding of sustainable breeding and genetics and data analysis in R (20%)
3. MCQs in relation to knowledge and understanding of sustainable breeding and genetics and data analysis in R (20%)
4. Data analysis report and R Markdown in relation to course themes (40%) |
| Feedback |
The formative assessments will allow students to learn from feedback on these before embarking on the final summative assessments. Feedback will be in accordance with policy and regulations to ensure it is timely, consist of tangible suggestions such that it is actionable and relevant to the question being asked as well as the course and the programme going forward. Students are encouraged to reflect on their feedback and discuss with course leads if they need clarification of feedback received. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of a range of theories, concepts, and principles related to sustainable breeding and genetics.
- Apply knowledge, skills and understanding using a range of skills and techniques which focus on sustainable breeding and genetics.
- Apply critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis to global abstract problems, challenges, or forefront issues of sustainable breeding and genetics.
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Reading List
The reading list will be provided electronically via Resource Lists. Essential/recommended and further reading and resources that align with the weekly 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. R Workbook [https://jillymackay.github.io/RatRDSVS/]
2. Genomic prediction unifies animal and plant breeding programs to form platforms for biological discovery | Nature Genetics [https://www.nature.com/articles/ng.3920]
3. G Simm, G Pollott, R Mrode, R Houston, K Marshall. 2021. Genetic improvement of farmed animals. CABI.
4. G Acquaah. 2012. Principles of Plant Genetics and Breeding. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Aspiration and personal development: The University of Edinburgh graduate draws on their own experiences, initiative, and enthusiasm to seek opportunities. They take responsibility for pursuing and developing their skills, experience, and knowledge in order to aspire to their full potential.
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. |
| Keywords | Sustainability,breeding,genetics,genomics,selection,Global North,Global South,Big Challenges |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Steph Smith
Tel: (0131 6)50 6096
Email: Steph.Smith1@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Stavriana Manti
Tel: (0131 6)50 5310
Email: stavriana.manti@ed.ac.uk |
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