ANSC30030
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Academic Year 2025/2026
Animal Genomics (ANSC30030)
Subject: : Animal Science
College: : Health & Agricultural Sciences
School: : Agriculture & Food Science
Level: : 3 (Degree)
Credits: : 5
Module Coordinator: : Professor David MacHugh
Trimester: : Autumn
Mode of Delivery: : Blended
Internship Module: : No
How will I be graded? : Letter grades
Curricular information is subject to change.
This module provides a detailed overview of modern genetics and genomics as it relates to animal science and livestock production. The material complements animal breeding modules by providing a molecular framework for the statistical and theoretical underpinnings of animal breeding and quantitative genetics.\ \ The module consists of the following:\ \ 1) Basic structural genomics - the organization and 'geography' of vertebrate genomes.\ 2) Genome variation, genetic identification and genomic tools such as SNP arrays and DNA sequencing.\ 3) Transcriptional and translational mechanisms controlling gene expression.\ 4) Genomic imprinting and other epigenetic phenomena.\ 5) The molecular genetic control of morphogenesis and pattern formation in eukaryotes.\ 6) Livestock (including equine) genomics and genome mapping: the hunt for single genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) of economic and veterinary importance.\ 7) Genetic association studies to identify QTLs underlying production and health traits.\ 8) Genomic selection and the application of genome information to animal breeding and livestock improvement.
About this Module
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What will I learn?
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module students should be able to:\ \ 1) Discuss the structure and function of vertebrate genomes using diagrams where appropriate\ 2) Understand genome variation and describe molecular methods used for genetic identification and how these can be applied in animal science and the livestock and food industries.\ 3) Outline the molecular machinery controlling gene expression in complex eukaryotes and describe the molecular and evolutionary basis of parental/genomic imprinting, providing examples from a range of mammalian species.\ 3) Outline, using diagrams where appropriate, the molecular genetic control of development in eukaryotes using Drosophila melanogaster as a model.\ 4) Describe, using examples, how molecular genetic maps can be used to hunt for single genes or quantitative trait loci (QTLs) of economic or veterinary importance in livestock species.\ 5) Understand the principles underlying genomic selection and its application to animal breeding and livestock improvement.
Indicative Module Content:
This module provides a detailed overview of modern genetics and genomics as it relates to animal science and livestock production. The material complements animal breeding modules by providing a molecular framework for the statistical and theoretical underpinnings of animal breeding and quantitative genetics. The module consists of the following: 1) Basic structural genomics - the organisation and 'geography' of vertebrate genomes. 2) Genetic markers, genetic identification and DNA profiling, practical applications of genetic identification for animal production and the food industries. 3) Transcriptional and translational mechanisms controlling gene expression. 4) Genomic imprinting and other epigenetic phenomena. 5) The molecular genetic control of morphogenesis and pattern formation in eukaryotes. 6) Livestock genomics and genome mapping: the hunt for single genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) of economic and veterinary importance. 7) Genetic association studies to identify QTLs underlying production and health traits. 8) Genomic selection and the application of genome information to animal breeding and livestock improvement.
How will I learn?
Student Effort Hours:
| Student Effort Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Specified Learning Activities | 10 |
| Autonomous Student Learning | 60 |
| Lectures | 32 |
| --- | --- |
| Total | 102 |
\
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures.\ Viewing of videos explaining key scientific and technical concepts.\ Online MCQ assessments delivered using Brightspace.\ In-class problem-solving exercises.\ An individual written project that involves critically reviewing a relevant scientific paper.\ Self-directed learning using materials provided on Brightspace.
Am I eligible to take this module?
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:\
BMOL20090 - Molecular Genetics and Biotech (Level 2, Semester Semester One, Credits 5)\ GENE20020 - Principles of Genetics(Level 2, Semester Semester Two, Credits 5)\ VET20050 - Genetics & Animal Breeding(Level 2, Semester Semester One, Credits 5)\ GENE30010 - Genetics(Level 3, Semester Semester One, Credits 5)\
\
Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Required:\ ANSC20010 - Genetics and Biotechnology\ \ Incompatibles:\ BMOL30050 - Genomics and Proteomics, GENE30010 - Genetics, PHYS30180 - Physiological Genomics\ \ \ \
How will I be assessed?
Assessment Strategy
| Description | Timing | Component Scale | Must Pass Component | % of Final Grade | In Module Component Repeat Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment(Including Essay): SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE PROJECT: The purpose of this assignment is to review and summarise a single peer-reviewed scientific paper from the animal genomics or general genomics scientific literature. | Week 11 | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 20 | No |
| Exam (In-person): WRITTEN IN-PERSON EXAM: Two-hour conventional written examination taken during the Autumn Trimester Examination Period. | End of trimester Duration: 2 hr(s) | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 80 | No |
\
Carry forward of passed components
Yes
\
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
• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment\ • Feedback individually to students, post-assessment\ • Self-assessment activities\
How will my Feedback be Delivered?
Students can obtain feedback on written project ideas and drafts. They can also request feedback on the end-of-semester written examination.
Associated Staff
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Mr John O'Grady | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
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 | Thurs 15:00 - 16:50 |
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks | Wed 11:00 - 11:50 |