ANSC30250
Source: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=MODULE&MODULE=ANSC30250&TERMCODE=202500&ACYR=2026 Parent: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=COURSE&MAJR=EQS1&AUDIENCE=
Academic Year 2025/2026
Equine Genetics (ANSC30250)
Subject: : Animal Science
College: : Health & Agricultural Sciences
School: : Agriculture & Food Science
Level: : 3 (Degree)
Credits: : 5
Module Coordinator: : Professor Emmeline Hill
Trimester: : Autumn
Mode of Delivery: : On Campus
Internship Module: : No
How will I be graded? : Letter grades
Curricular information is subject to change.
This module will address the goals of the horse genome workshop, to improve the health and welfare of horses, by understanding the contribution of inherited factors to equine traits. In 2007 the horse genome was sequenced. This scientific advance is dramatically altering the face of equine breeding and management. The module encompasses lectures on horse domestication and breed development; genetic variation among horse populations; the horse genome sequencing project; genomics tools for equine scientists; disease gene mapping; coat colour genes; gene expression; genetic contributions to athletic performance in the horse. Genetics applied to sustainability of horse populations for future use will be considered. The module will introduce bioinformatics tools useful for equine scientists and will provide students with an opportunity to review a journal article on equine genetics.
About this Module
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What will I learn?
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module students should be able to: Describe the current knowledge of the when, where and how of horse domestication and breed development. Understand genetic variation in the context of horse breeds. Describe the implications of the horse genome sequencing project for the health and welfare of horses. Describe the projects leading to our understanding of disease genes in the horse. Understand the implications of genes contributing to performance traits. Evaluate the implications of genetics information in the breeding and management of horses. Use on-line bioinformatics tools to browse the horse genome and identify and describe genes of interest.
Indicative Module Content:
• Domestication of the horse\ • Development of horse breeds\ • The horse genome sequencing project\ • Horse genetic diversity and breed relationships\ • Coat colour genetics \ • Health and disease genetics\ • Introduction to Bioinformatics\ • Exercise and performance genomics\
How will I learn?
Student Effort Hours:
| Student Effort Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Autonomous Student Learning | 80 |
| Lectures | 24 |
| Computer Aided Lab | 6 |
| --- | --- |
| Total | 110 |
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Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
• Lectures\ • active/task-based learning\ • case-based learning\ • lab/computer-based learning \
Am I eligible to take this module?
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:\
Recommended that students have completed at least one prior module in biotechnology, genetics / genomics or equivalent.
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Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:\ ANSC30030 - Animal Genomics\ \ \ \
How will I be assessed?
Assessment Strategy
| Description | Timing | Component Scale | Must Pass Component | % of Final Grade | In Module Component Repeat Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exam (In-person): End of trimester written exam covering all topics in the module | End of trimester Duration: 2 hr(s) | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 60 | No |
| Individual Project: Scientific journal review | Week 12 | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 15 | No |
| Report(s): A series of worksheets to aid learning | Week 2, Week 4, Week 7 | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 10 | No |
| Report(s): Bioinformatics project | Week 11 | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 15 | No |
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Carry forward of passed components
Yes
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What happens if I fail?
| Resit In | Terminal Exam |
|---|---|
| Spring | Yes - 2 Hour |
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. \
Assessment feedback
Feedback Strategy/Strategies
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment\
How will my Feedback be Delivered?
Bioinformatics project • feedback will be given to students as a group in class, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the responses given in in-module assessment. This will provide students the opportunity to improve on their critical thinking and written submissions. Journal articles • feedback will be given to students as a group in class, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the responses given in in-module assessment. This will provide students the opportunity to improve on their critical thinking and written submissions.
Associated Staff
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Dr Kevin Daly | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
| Dr Alison Reynolds | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
| Assoc Professor Barbara Murphy | Tutor |
When is this module offered?
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks | Tues 11:00 - 11:50 |
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks | Tues 13:00 - 14:50 |
| Autumn | Tutorial | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 6, 7 | Tues 15:00 - 16:50 |