GBL4006

Biotechnologies and animal genetics

(MED)

Professor A Trounson

6 points + 12 weeks + 12 hours per week including lecture material, audio tapes, journal tapes, on-line conferences and email, multiple choice questions, short-answer questions and essays + off campus distributed learning + Year 1, Second semester

Synopsis: This unit provides a comprehensive account of the biology of animal breeding. The role of artificial breeding technologies including the techniques of artificial insemination (AI), multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET), cloning of embryonic and somatic cells, selective breeding using gene markers and genetically modifying livestock will be studied. The benefits of, and concerns about, animal biotechnology and genetic modification, and the ethics of these procedures will be examined in detail. The outcomes of transgenesis will be discussed and the benefits for animal breeding, and nutraceutical and pharmaceutical production will be explored.

Assessment: Written assignments:40% + Preparation and submission of a Journal:30% + Written theory exam:30%