VETERINARY GENETICS
The molecular basis for the inheritance of monogenic and polygenic traits related to animal disease and production. Genetic defects, their discovery, diagnosis, and treatment. Examines the molecular basis underlying the inheritance of monogenic and polygenic traits related to animal disease and production. Topics include genetic defects and their discovery, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as gene-environment interactions. Learn the molecular mechanisms of animal diseases and integrate concepts from multiple disciplines to understand how environmental factors influence gene activity and, ultimately, phenotypes. Emphasizes the role of epigenetics in livestock production, reproduction, and animal health. Explore how biomedical research can be applied to address both human and animal research questions.
Topics
- genetic defects and their discovery
- diagnosis
- and treatment
- as well as gene-environment interactions
Topics explicitly listed in official catalogue description
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 151 , ( ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY 101 and 102 ), ( BIOCORE 382 , 383 , and 384 ), or graduate/professional standing Course Designation: Core GenEd - Natural Science & Wellness + Lab Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Spring 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Retrieve, analyze, and interpret gene- and genome-level data related to species conservation, genetic variation, and gene function. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 2. Apply genotype data to determine animal parentage and map genetic variants underlying phenotypic variation in animal traits. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 3. Identify methods used to discover, analyze, and modify genetic information to alter phenotypes. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 4. Critically evaluate primary literature on genetic variants and their roles in animal phenotypes and disease. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 5. Describe how gene-by-environment interactions influence gene expression and how these effects may be transmitted across generations. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 6. Explain the mechanisms by which epigenetic marks regulate gene expression and how these marks can be experimentally manipulated. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 7. Use knowledge of animal biotechnology and biomedical models to design experiments aimed at treating animal diseases or altering phenotypes. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 8. Develop a testable hypothesis based on observations related to the genetic basis of animal production and design experiments to evaluate that hypothesis. Audience: Graduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Retrieve, analyze, and interpret gene- and genome-level data related to species conservation, genetic variation, and gene function. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 2. Apply genotype data to determine animal parentage and map genetic variants underlying phenotypic variation in animal traits. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 3. Identify methods used to discover, analyze, and modify genetic information to alter phenotypes. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 4. Critically evaluate primary literature on genetic variants and their roles in animal phenotypes and disease. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 5. Describe how gene-by-environment interactions influence gene expression and how these effects may be transmitted across generations. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 6. Explain the mechanisms by which epigenetic marks regulate gene expression and how these marks can be experimentally manipulated. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 7. Use knowledge of animal biotechnology and biomedical models to design experiments aimed at treating animal diseases or altering phenotypes. Audience: Both Grad & Undergrad 8. Develop a testable hypothesis based on observations related to the genetic basis of animal production and design experiments to evaluate that hypothesis. Audience: Graduate
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027