B8440 - General Genetics and Ethical Breeding

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student is able to evaluate inbreeding in a companion animals’ population and presence of genetic background of a disease. In particular, the student: knows type and background of causative mutations for major genetic disorders and unfavourable phenotypes in companion animals; is able to calculate the allele frequency within a population, and identify the best mating plans according to the specific objective(s).

Course contents

• Basic principles of genetics;
• Mendelian laws and their exceptions;
• Population genetics, kinship, and inbreeding;
• Causes and consequences of deleterious lethal alleles and patogenic phenotypes in companion animals;
• Ethical breeding: selection toward desired characteristics/traits of interest.

Readings/Bibliography

“Textbook Animal breeding and genetics” ed. Groen Kennisnet. 2014. Available online: https://wiki.groenkennisnet.nl/space/TAB/3735554/Textbook+Animal+Breeding+and+Genetics

“Production diseases in farm animals” ed. J. J. Gross. 2024. (available in the campus library), ISBN 978-3-031-51788-4; https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-51788-4

Teaching methods

Presentations (.ppt, .pdf), digital material online such as textbook and scientific articles.
Living animals and facilities of the experimental farm of the university.
The teaching material, including scientific articles discussed during classes, is available on the Virtuale [https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en] platform.
In case of any difficulties, the instructor is available for individual clarification meetings, which must be scheduled via email.

Assessment methods

The final exam of the Integrated Course consists of two parts:

• Practical examination (ration formulation and nutrient requirement calculations, modules of Dr Vecchiato) is compulsory to access the written test part (from 1 to 3 pt.). The assignment will take place on digital platform lasts 45min and will be considered as successful with a minimum grade of 1.5/3.
• The written part is a test comprising 30 multiple choice questions, covering topics from all components of the Integrated Course, and is designed to assess the student's comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter. Each correct question will earn 1 point; no points will be subtracted in case of wrong answer or unanswered question. The test assignment will last 45 min and will be considered as successful with a minimum grade of 18/30.

Supplementary materials or electronic devices (e.g., calculators, tablets, smartwatches, computers) can be used only if explicitly permitted by the instructor.

With regard to the assessment, the use of generative AI is prohibited and any use constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available upon request for students beyond the standard program duration.

If a student receives a borderline result in no more than one part of the written test the instructor may—depending on the seriousness of the mistakes—offer the opportunity to take a brief compensatory oral exam for that module within the next two working days. In this case, the instructor will contact the student as soon as possible after the end of the exam.

Students can register for the exam through the online AlmaEsami platform . The results will be published within 5 working days on the Virtuale Learning Environment platform by the designated course contact.

In case of failure, the exam may be retaken after a minimum of three weeks. In accordance with Unibo teaching regulations, Article 16, Paragraph 5, students are entitled to refuse a passing grade on one occasion. Negative results are not graded numerically but recorded as “withdrawn” or “failed” in the electronic transcript on AlmaEsami, and do not affect the student’s academic record. Students willing to reject the final grade must promptly informing the course examiner via email within 5 working days.

In compliance with Law 104/1992 and Law 170/2010, and in alignment with institutional inclusion policies, students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities must contact the dedicated office responsible as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturers, who will assess the appropriateness of the proposed adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Presentations discussed during classes are uploaded on Virtuale platform during the course. Extra resources are uploaded by the instructor (magazine articles, papers, videos or photos of real cases, etc) for discussion of case studies. Further material can be uploaded upon request.

Office hours

See the website of Angela Costa