ANSC30010
Source: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=MODULE&MODULE=ANSC30010&TERMCODE=202500&ACYR=2026 Parent: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=COURSE&MAJR=CPS1&AUDIENCE=
Academic Year 2025/2026
Animal Reproduction (ANSC30010)
Subject: : Animal Science
College: : Health & Agricultural Sciences
School: : Agriculture & Food Science
Level: : 3 (Degree)
Credits: : 5
Module Coordinator: : Professor Patrick Lonergan
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 is for students with an interest in the physiology of reproduction in domesticated animals. The module includes comprehensive components on the physiological systems of reproduction and on the approaches that are used to manipulate reproduction in domesticated animals. The module gives students foundation knowledge of the physiology of hormones and pheromones of reproduction, ovarian and testicular function, sperm and oocyte development, embryo development, establishment and maintenance of pregnancy and parturition. In addition to basic physiology, the module includes a large component on the application of physiology and new technologies to animal reproduction in agriculture including factors affecting puberty; expression, detection and synchronization of oestrous behaviour; artificial insemination, in vitro embryo production and embryo transfer.
About this Module
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What will I learn?
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module students should be able to: Explain and understand the endocrine control of reproduction in male and female mammals; Explain factors controlling sperm production, reproductive cycles, ovarian follicular growth and the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy; Understand the factors affecting reproductive efficiency in different farm species; Understand the benefits and potential impact of assisted reproductive technologies at farm level
Indicative Module Content:
Introduction\ History of embryology\ Testicular anatomy and function\ Spermatogenesis & accessory glands\ Semen collection and processing\ Artificial insemination \ Endocrinology (+ve & -ve feedback etc)\ Reproductive cycles and hormones\ Oogenesis and ovarian follicle development\ Patterns of follicle growth\ Luteolysis and maternal recognition of pregnancy\ Sexual differentiation\ Puberty\ Pheromones\ Oestrous behaviour and detection\ Synchronisation of oestrus\ Gamete transport and fertilization\ Pregnancy and parturition\ Embryo mortality\ Superovulation and embryo transfer\ In vitro embryo production\ Cloning and transgenesis\ Anoestrus - gestation, lactation, seasonal\ Postpartum reproduction - Beef & Dairy\ Reproduction in non-farm species\
How will I learn?
Student Effort Hours:
| Student Effort Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Autonomous Student Learning | 55 |
| Lectures | 36 |
| Practical | 9 |
| --- | --- |
| Total | 100 |
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Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The majority of the course is delivered through face-to-face lectures. Each student will visit UCD Lyons Research Farm on two occasions during teh term for practicals in (i) anatomy of the non pregnant female reproductive tract; (ii) anatomy of pregnancy; (iii) semen collection and processing; and (iv) manipulation of reproduction
Am I eligible to take this module?
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:\
Students should have taken a basic course in biology before attempting this course.
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Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module. \ \
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): This is an in-person multiple-choice quiz (MCQ)-style exam held through Brightspace. There will be approximately 50 questions based on the course material to date. | Week 4 | Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% | No | 20 | No |
| Exam (In-person): This is an in-person multiple-choice quiz (MCQ)-style exam held through Brightspace. There will be approximately 50 questions based on the course material to date. | Week 8 | Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% | No | 20 | No |
| Exam (In-person): Final MCQ/short answer-style exam covering all of the module content. | End of trimester Duration: 2 hr(s) | Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% | No | 50 | No |
| Quizzes/Short Exercises: Practicals to support lecture material will take place at UCD Lyons Farm in Weeks 5, 7, 9 and 11. Short questions will be completed at the end of each practical. | Week 5, Week 7, Week 9, Week 11 | Graded | No | 10 | 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?
Results for in-term tests will be given within 2 weeks of sitting the test.
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 10:00 - 10:50 |
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks | Tues 12:00 - 12:50 |
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 | Tues 15:00 - 15:50 |
| Autumn | Practical | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 5, 7, 9, 11 | Mon 13:00 - 16:50 |
| Autumn | Practical | Offering 2 | Week(s) - 5, 7, 9, 11 | Tues 13:00 - 16:50 |