CQUniversity Unit Profile
AGRI11007 Plant and Livestock Breeding Strategies
Plant and Livestock Breeding Strategies
All details in this unit profile for AGRI11007 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

In this unit, you will be provided with a framework for the development and application of agricultural breeding strategies, and application of modern genetic selection tools. You will be introduced to a broad overview of genetic selection tools, whilst learning how to select, monitor and evaluate a breeding program. Finally, you will consider the ethical and social implications of genetic modification and how this might influence management decisions.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 7
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 2 - 2020

Bundaberg
Emerald
Mixed Mode
Rockhampton

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Residential Schools

This unit has a Compulsory Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 20%
2. Presentation and Written Assessment
Weighting: 50%
3. Portfolio
Weighting: 30%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Have Your Say

Feedback

Students found field trips and practicals were invaluable to learning.

Recommendation

Continue to ensure students get the opportunity to obtain hands on experience that compliments the theory knowledge of the unit. Maintain industry connections to ensure these sites can be used annually.

Feedback from Have Your Say

Feedback

Students enjoyed the opportunity to interact with guest lecturers (in class and on-farm).

Recommendation

Continue to have a guest lecturer come in (where possible) to help engage students throughout the term and to ensure the unit remains relevant to industry trends and issues.

Feedback from Have Your Say

Feedback

Practicals were not consistent between campuses.

Recommendation

This unit has since been updated for 2020 with the introduction of residential schools, rather than weekly practicals. This will ensure all students have a consistent experience, access to resources and are highly organised due to the availability of technical support at the residential school location.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Select appropriate tools for a genetic improvement plan
  2. Develop a breeding program based on heritability and economic returns
  3. Monitor and evaluate a breeding program
  4. Critique the social and ethical implications of genetic modification.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20%
2 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 50%
3 - Portfolio - 30%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20%
2 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 50%
3 - Portfolio - 30%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Microsoft Office
  • PowerPoint
  • Video/audio recording device (e.g. a andriod/iphone, tablet, Gopro or computer with a webcam)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Jaime Manning Unit Coordinator
j.k.manning@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 - Introduction Begin Date: 13 Jul 2020

Module/Topic

Introduction to genetics and breeding in crops and livestock

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 - Molecular and quantitative genetics Begin Date: 20 Jul 2020

Module/Topic

Molecular and quantitative genetics

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 - Phenotypes and traits Begin Date: 27 Jul 2020

Module/Topic

Phenotypes and traits

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online quiz (Quiz A) Due: Week 3 Friday (31 July. 2020) 5:00 pm AEST

Week 4 - Non-Mendelian genetics Begin Date: 03 Aug 2020

Module/Topic

Non-Mendelian genetics

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online quiz (Quiz B) Due: Week 4 Friday (7 Aug. 2020) 5:00 pm AEST

Week 5 - Livestock selection and breeding Begin Date: 10 Aug 2020

Module/Topic

Livestock selection and breeding

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 17 Aug 2020

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 - Crop selection and breeding Begin Date: 24 Aug 2020

Module/Topic

Crop selection and breeding

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Development of a breeding program (Part A - short presentation) Due: Week 6 Monday (24 Aug. 2020) 9:00 am AEST and presented in class

Week 7 - Crop breeding programs Begin Date: 31 Aug 2020

Module/Topic

Crop breeding programs

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 - Practical Week Begin Date: 07 Sep 2020

Module/Topic

Take home practical sessions

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 - Social and ethical implications Begin Date: 14 Sep 2020

Module/Topic

Social and ethical implications of genetic modification in crops and livestock

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 10 - Modern tools Begin Date: 21 Sep 2020

Module/Topic

Modern tools in breeding and selection, modelling and simulation

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online quiz (Quiz C) Due: Week 10 Friday (25 Sept. 2020) 5:00 pm AEST

Week 11 - Advancements in crop breeding Begin Date: 28 Sep 2020

Module/Topic

Advancements in crop breeding

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 - Advancements in livestock breeding Begin Date: 05 Oct 2020

Module/Topic

Advancements in livestock breeding

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review Week Begin Date: 12 Oct 2020

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Development of a breeding program (Part B - Report) Due: Review week Wednesday (14 Oct. 2020) 5:00 pm AEST

Term Specific Information

Due to COVID-19 impacts at the time of preparing this unit profile, the residential school attached to this unit for Term 2 2020 has been postponed and will need to be completed at a later date. The residential school will be reduced, with some activities occurring throughout the term remotely. Further details will be made available on the unit Moodle site in due course.

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Online quiz

Task Description

There are three (3) quizzes:

  • QUIZ A (5%): Assessment of content delivered during lectures and tutorials from Week 1 through to Week 3, specifically the terminology used. Due date: Week 3 Friday (31 July. 2020) 5:00 pm AEST
  • QUIZ B (5%): Assessment of Punnet squares and traits. Due date: Week 4 Friday (7 Aug. 2020) 5:00 pm AEST
  • QUIZ C (10%): Assessment of content delivered during lectures and tutorials up to Week 10. Due date: Week 10 Friday (25 Sept. 2020) 5:00 pm AEST

Quizzes consist of multiple choice and short answer questions and will open on Monday of the corresponding week for five days. You will have 2 hours to complete it and one attempt.


Number of Quizzes

3


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Quiz A due Week 3 Friday (31 July. 2020) 5:00 pm AEST; Quiz B due Week 4 Friday (7 Aug. 2020) 5:00 pm AEST; Quiz C due Week 10 Friday (25 Sept. 2020) 5:00 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Review/Exam Week Monday (12 Oct 2020)

Grades will be returned within 10 working days of submission.


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

Marks will be marked based on correct responses to quiz questions.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
All parts of this assessment are due on Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Monitor and evaluate a breeding program
  • Critique the social and ethical implications of genetic modification.


Graduate Attributes
  • Problem Solving
  • Information Technology Competence

2 Presentation and Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Development of a breeding program plan

Task Description

This assessment, “Development of a breeding program plan” compromises of two (2) parts and accounts for 50% of your final mark:


PART A - Short presentation (10%):

You will be required to give a 3-5 minute presentation describing a selected genetic tool to be applied in a genetic improvement plan for a crop or livestock enterprise. Your presentation should discuss the following aspects:

  • Introduce your chosen genetic tool that is relevant to an economically important crop or livestock production industry
  • Define the current state of knowledge of the selected genetic tool
  • Outline and discuss at least one positive and one negative aspect of the selected genetic tool


PART B - Report (40%):

Develop a breeding program plan (livestock or crop) based on sound scientific background and economic returns in the form of a written report. Using the genetic tool you presented on in PART A:

  • Evaluate your selected genetic tool
  • Define the current state of knowledge of the selected genetic tool
  • Describe and discuss how the breeding strategy will be implemented
  • Outline how you will monitor and evaluate the success of the breeding strategy both in relation to heritability and economic returns

This assessment will be in the format of an essay (1200-1500 words) and must include an introduction, body, conclusion and references.


The marking rubrics will be available on Moodle.


Assessment Due Date

PART A due Week 6, Monday 24th Aug by 9AM AEST (and presented in class); PART B due Review Week, Wednesday 14th Oct by 5PM AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (23 Oct 2020)

Grades will be returned within 10 working days of submission.


Weighting
50%

Minimum mark or grade
50%. A pass is required to pass the unit.

Assessment Criteria

Marks are awarded for:

  • Communication and presentation skills
  • Introduction and addressing the topic
  • Knowledge, content and structure
  • Analysis of information
  • Discussion of how the breeding strategy will be implemented
  • Evaluation of the success of the breeding strategy
  • The clarity of English expression, spelling and grammar
  • Use of references and accuracy of referencing
  • Appropriate timeframe (Part A) and length (Part B)


Detailed marking rubrics will also be available on Moodle.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
All parts of this assessment are due on Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Select appropriate tools for a genetic improvement plan
  • Develop a breeding program based on heritability and economic returns


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence

3 Portfolio

Assessment Title
Practical Portfolio

Task Description

The practical portfolio relates to practical sessions and the residential school, where you will be required to complete a series of activities or short response questions. A copy of the practical portfolio will be available on Moodle including specific details for each practical session.


Assessment Due Date

To be confirmed - further details will be made available on the unit Moodle site in due course.


Return Date to Students

Grades will be returned within 10 working days of submission.


Weighting
30%

Minimum mark or grade
50%. A pass is required to pass the unit.

Assessment Criteria

Marks are awarded for attendance, participation, completion, correct responses to questions and submission of all practical activities including the residential school.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
All parts of this assessment are due on Moodle

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Monitor and evaluate a breeding program
  • Critique the social and ethical implications of genetic modification.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Team Work
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Ethical practice

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?