Professor: Dr. Darlene Jones
Semester: Fall
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Junior standing or above.

Catalog Description: Scientific methods for the genetic improvement of domesticated animals. Genetic variation and expected results of different types of selection and mating systems.

By the end of this course, students should have developed an understanding of:

• The biochemistry of inheritance, chromosomes, mitosis and meiosis
• Mendelian inheritance patterns
• Extensions to Mendelian patterns of inheritance
• Types and causes of chromosomal aberrations reported in animals
• Diseases that result from inborn errors of metabolism
• Polygenic disorders and the concepts of liability, threshold and heritability
• The basic principles of population genetics, the Hardy-Weinberg principle and the forces that change gene frequency
• Single-gene traits important to animal breeding
• Selection between and within populations: EBV's, EPD's and accuracy
• Mating systems: relationship and inbreeding, breed structure, and crossing

Class Topics

• Basic genetics
• Chromosomal aberrations
• Diagnostics
• Inborn errors of metabolism
• Single genes in populations
• Polygenic disorders
• Selection for simply-inherited traits
• Quantitative variation
• Selection for multiple objectives
• Mating strategies and breeding systems

Grades will be based upon the following criteria:

• Exams
• Assignments
• Final exam

Darlene Jones, DVM
Lecturer, Animal Science

University of Rhode Island
Department of Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Science
25 Woodward Hall
Kingston, RI 02881
Office: (401)874-4623
Fax: (401)874-7575
djonesdvm@uri.edu

Dr. Jones has recently joined the Department of Animal Science as a full-time lecturer. Prior to coming to the University of Rhode Island, Dr. Jones owned a mobile veterinary practice specializing in companion animal medicine. She also instructed various courses in animal anatomy, physiology, parasitology and biology at several local universities. Dr. Jones' veterinary expertise makes her a unique addition to the department.

Education

• B. S., Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
• D.V.M., Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

"I went into AVS 420 with a very basic understanding of genetics, and after the semester was finished I was fascinated with any topic on animal genetics. The information can seem very overwhelming at first, but the manner in which it is taught really breaks it down to help you understand the processes. You will end the semester with an enhanced understanding of DNA, heredity and genetic disorders." - Sarah

"Animal Breeding and Genetics was one required class in the curriculum that I honestly enjoyed. I found that the difficulty level was not as severe as I had anticipated, and that the concepts were easily grasped. It seems wrong to enjoy a genetics course but that was the case with me. The professor did a good job to keep the class's interest, and related topics of discussion to more practical and tangible exam" - Nick

• Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics
• Farm Animal Breeding and Reproduction Technology Platform
• Center for Biodiversity and Conservation