208-412 Advanced Topics in Genetics and Breeding

207-323 Plantation Silviculture or other subjects as approved by the course coordinators.

On completion of this subject students should:

• understand genetics as it is applied to practical animal and forest tree breeding;

• have a sound knowledge of operational genetic improvement programs; and

• be able to apply this knowledge in design and management of these programs.

The topics to be covered include:

• defining breeding objectives in economic terms;

• the meaning of genetic parameters such as heritability;

• estimating breeding values;

• the effects of inbreeding and how to minimise them;

• the structure of natural and domesticated populations;

• use of genetic resources, cross and hybrid breeding;

• the design of genetic improvement programs;

• the use of reproductive biology and molecular technology in genetic improvement;

• disease-resistance breeding;

• genetic conservation; and

• genetics of economically important traits appropriate to the target species.

One 3-hour written examination (50%) and a series of written practical reports and assignments including at least one of up to 5000 words.