Module Details

Module Code: GENE8003
Title: Quantitative Genetics
Long Title: Population and Quantitative Genetics
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4212 - Genetics
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will examine population and quantitative trait measures which are routinely applied within the agri-food industry, including; how genetic variation is measured and its translation to phenotype, and the importance of both in breeding schemes to achieve sustainable genetic gain.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Examine important population and quantitative genetic concepts
LO2 Understand the underlying components contributing to phenotypic variation
LO3 Interpret the underlying concepts and principles involved in genetic selection
LO4 Assess factors controlling the rate of genetic gain and their role in breeding programmes
LO5 Critique applications of quantitative genetic methods within selected industries
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Genetic Concepts
Mendelian genetics, sex determinations, sex-linked characteristics, genetic recombination, pedigree analysis, genetic/genomic testing.
Quantitative Genetics
Quantitative traits, population evaluations, estimation of allele frequencies, Hardy-Weinberg, evolutionary forces, linkage disequilibrium, heterosis, effective population size.
Genetic Variance
Additive and non-additive genetic variance, types of heritability, calculation of heritablility, genome-wide association studies.
Genetic Gain
Genetic and genomic strategies for genetic improvement in the agri-food sector, factors affecting genetic gain, estimation of breeding values (BLUP), genotype by environment interactions.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
MCQ on theoretical concepts
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
End of semester final exam
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory, concepts and case studies Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent study Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory, concepts and case studies Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent study Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Pierce, B.A.. (2016), Genetics: A Conceptual Approach, 6th. Macmillan Education, New York, United States, [ISBN: 9781319153915].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Khatib, H.. (2015), Molecular and Quantitative Animal Genetics, 1st. Wiley-Blackwell, New Jersey, United States, [ISBN: 9781118677407].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_SAGBI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agri-Biosciences 7 Mandatory