Educational guide
IDENTIFYING DATA 2023_24
Subject GENETICS Code 00106014
Study programme
0106 GRADO EN VETERINARIA
Descriptors Credit. Type Year Period
6 Basic Training Second First
Language
Castellano
Prerequisites
Department PRODUCCION ANIMAL
Coordinador
ARRANZ SANTOS , JUAN JOSÉ
E-mail jjarrs@unileon.es
ybayg@unileon.es
bgutg@unileon.es
mmarm@unileon.es
malog@unileon.es
asuav@unileon.es
Lecturers
ARRANZ SANTOS , JUAN JOSÉ
BAYÓN GONZÁLEZ , YOLANDA
GUTIÉRREZ GIL , BEATRIZ
MARQUÉS MARTÍNEZ , MARGARITA
ALONSO GARCIA , MARIA
SUAREZ VEGA, AROA
Web http://
General description This subject offers information on location, structure, transmission systems, expression and regulation of hereditary information. It analyses the genetic basis at an individual and population level. It also studies the variations in genetic material as well as recombination. All this is particularly focused on Animal Production and Pathology. It also presents the basic principles of Genetic Biotechnology.
Tribunales de Revisión
Tribunal titular
Cargo Departamento Profesor
Presidente PRODUCCION ANIMAL FUENTE CRESPO , L. FERNANDO DE LA
Secretario PRODUCCION ANIMAL GONZALO ABASCAL , CARLOS
Vocal PRODUCCION ANIMAL VALDES SOLIS , CARMEN
Tribunal suplente
Cargo Departamento Profesor
Presidente PRODUCCION ANIMAL RANILLA GARCIA , MARIA JOSE
Secretario PRODUCCION ANIMAL LOPEZ PUENTE , SECUNDINO
Vocal PRODUCCION ANIMAL SANCHEZ SANCHEZ , JOSE MARIA

Competencias
Code  
A19620 106P18 Develop technical and economic advisory and management tasks for veterinary companies in a context of sustainability.
A19623 106P3 Use basic analytical techniques and interpret their clinical, biological and chemical results.
A19631 106S10 Molecular and genetic bases of biological processes.
A19632 106S11 Basic principles of genetic biotechnology and population genetics.
B6471 106G1 Analyse, synthesise, solve problems and make decisions in the professional fields of the veterinarian.
B6472 106G2 Work as a team, single or multidisciplinary, and show respect, appreciation and sensitivity to the work of others.
B6473 106G3 Maintain ethical behavior in the exercise of their responsibilities towards the profession and society.
B6474 106G4 Communicate the information obtained during the veterinarians professional practice fluently, orally and in writing, with other colleagues, authorities and society in general.
B6475 106G5 Write and present professional reports correctly, always maintaining the necessary confidentiality.
B6476 106G6 Search and manage information related to the veterinarians activity.
B6477 106G7 Apply the scientific method to professional practice including evidence-based medicine.
B6478 106G8 Know how to get professional advice and help.
B6479 106G9 Demonstrate interest in knowing how to use basic computer tools.
B6480 106G10 Have basic knowledge of a second language, especially in technical aspects related to Veterinary Sciences.
B6481 106G11 Keep the knowledge, skills and attitudes of professional competencies updated through a continuing education process.
C1 CMECES1 That students have demonstrated possession and understanding of knowledge in an area of study that is based on general secondary education, and is usually found at a level that, although supported by advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting edge of their field of study
C2 CMECES2 That students know how to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and possess the skills that are usually demonstrated through the development and defense of arguments and the resolution of problems within their area of study.
C3 CMECES3 That students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (normally within their area of study) to make judgments that include reflection on relevant issues of a social, scientific or ethical nature.
C4 CMECES4 That students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to both a specialised and non-specialised audience
C5 CMECES5 That students have developed those learning skills necessary to undertake further studies with a high degree of autonomy

Learning aims
Competences
To understand the genetic basis of biological processes and genetic biotechnology. A19631
 B6471
B6477
B6479
 C1
C2
C3
C5
To know the modes of hereditary transmission and how genetic information is stored. A19623
A19632
 B6471
B6472
B6476
B6478
B6479
 C1
C2
C5
To acquire the ability to analyze the transmission of phenotypic traits at the individual and population levels. A19620
A19623
 B6472
B6473
B6474
B6477
B6478
B6481
 C1
C2
C5
To know and understand the systems of gene expression and regulation. A19623
A19632
 B6471
B6475
B6476
 C1
C2
C4
C5
Recognize and correctly interpret genetic maps, mainly genomic information. A19623
A19631
A19632
 B6471
B6473
B6475
B6476
B6478
B6479
B6481
 C1
C2
C5
To have the ability to assess the methods for the creation and maintenance of genetic variability. A19620
A19623
 B6471
B6472
B6478
B6480
B6481
 C1
C2
C3
C5
To acquire the ability to evaluate the implication of genetics on productive traits and pathology. A19620
A19631
A19632
 B6473
B6474
B6477
B6478
B6480
 C1
C2
C5
To be able to apply molecular genetic techniques to diagnose pathological processes and other aspects of veterinary interest. B6471
B6473
B6475
B6477
B6480
B6481
 C1
C2
C4
C5

Contents
Topic Sub-topic
I.- INTRODUCTION Lecture 1.- Presentation of the course. Concept of Genetics. Genetics in the Veterinary Sciences. Teaching staff. Bibliography. Teaching methodology. Evaluation system.

Lecture 2.- History of Genetics.
II.- TRANSMISSION OF GENETIC INFORMATION Lecture 3.- Mendel's experiments: monohybridism, dihybridism and polyhybridism.

Lecture 4.- Relationship between alleles: dominance/recessivity. Multiple alleles. Phenotypic expression and environment: reaction norm, phenocopies. Pleiotropy.

Lecture 5.- Gene interaction. Lethality.

Lecture 6.- Genetics of sex. Sex-linked inheritance. Sex and expression of characters.

Lecture 7.- Modes of inheritance I. Simple Mendelian inheritance models. Multifactorial inheritance.

Lecture 8.- Modes of inheritance II. Alterations in the mode of inheritance. Non- Mendelian inheritance.
III.- LOCALISATION, STRUCTURE AND REPLICATION OF GENETIC INFORMATION Lecture 9.- Structure of the genetic material in animals. Physico-chemical properties of DNA and RNA. DNA replication. Genetic information flow: transcription and translation.

Lecture 10.- DNA packaging: Tertiary structure: the mitochondrial genome. Chromosome structure and function. Ploidy and cell cycle. The n and C values. Euchromatin vs heterochromatin. Morphology of eukaryotic chromosomes.

Lecture 11.- Organisation of the animal genome: protein-coding genes, RNA coding genes, tandem repeat non-coding DNA, interspersed repeat non- coding DNA. Transposable elements.

Lecture 12.- Comparative analysis methods in animal genomics. Molecular phylogeny and comparative genomics. Functional analysis of genome elements. The ENCODE and FAANG projects.
IV.- EXPRESSION AND REGULATION OF GENETIC INFORMATION Lecture 13.- Regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes. Role of transcriptional activators. Gene expression in animal cells. Transcriptomic analysis by next-generation sequencing.

Lecture 14.- Regulatory steps in gene expression: changes in chromatin structure, transcription initiation, RNA processing, RNA degradation. Transcription and alternative processing of individual genes. Control of expression by RNA interference.

Lecture 15.- Epigenetics. Differential gene expression: origins and perpetuation.
Epigenetic mechanisms: histone modification, DNA methylation. Epigenetic effects. Genetic imprinting: origins and effect on animal phenotypes.

Lecture 16.- Genetic control of development. Specialisation of cells during development. Cell potentiality. Origin of tissues: hierarchy of development in animals. Segmentation genes. Homeotic genes.
Morphogenesis.
V.- RECOMBINATION OF GENETIC MATERIAL Lecture 17.- Linkage. Crossing-over and recombination.

Lecture 18.- Methods for the detection of linkage. Calculation of recombination frequencies.

Lecture 19.- Gene maps. Linkage maps. In situ hybridisation. Somatic cell hybridisation: RH maps.

Lecture 20.- Molecular mechanism of recombination. Mobile genetic elements.
VI.- GENETIC BIOTECHNOLOGY Lecture 21.- Structural genomics in domestic animals. General techniques in genetic biotechnology in animals. Genomic sequencing projects in animals, current status and perspectives.

Lecture 22.- Genetic engineering. Recombinant DNA technology. Genome edition using the CRISPR/Cas system.

Lecture 23.- Applications of genetic engineering. Biotechnology industry: production of recombinant proteins. Transgenic animals, knock-in and knock-out animals. Gene therapy. Animal cloning.
VII.- VARIATIONS IN GENETIC MATERIAL Lecture 24.- Gene mutation. Types of mutation. Origin of spontaneous mutation.Induced mutations: ionising and non-ionising radiation and chemical mutagens. DNA repair mechanisms.

Lecture 25.- Structural variations in chromosomes. Chromosomal deletions, duplications, inversions and translocations: classification and consequences. Robertsonian changes.

Lecture 26.- Numerical chromosomal variations. Euploidy: terminology and classification. Polyploidy: autoploidy and alloploidy. Haploidy. Aneuploidy.

Lecture 27.- Cytogenetics of domestic animals. Karyotypes of domestic animals. Numerical chromosomal variations: aneuploidy of sex chromosomes. Structural chromosome variations. Interspecific hybridisation.
VIII. POPULATION GENETICS Lecture 28.- Genotypic, gametic and allele frequencies. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

Lecture 29- Changes in gene frequencies due to migration, mutation and selection.

Lecture 30.- Changes in gene and genotypic frequencies due to stochastic processes in small and closed populations: genetic drift and inbreeding.

Lecture 31.- Genetic concept of species, race, lines. Population differentiation. Mechanisms of reproductive isolation. The process of speciation. Phylogenies.
IX.- CLINICAL GENETICS Lecture 32.- Genetics and disease. Concept of genetic disease. Hereditary disease. Congenital disease. Types of hereditary diseases: monogenic, polygenic, multifactorial and chromosomal.

Lecture 33.- The genetic bases of disease. Genetic abnormalities: concept and types. Genetic diseases in domestic animals. Research on the mode of inheritance of a disease.

Lecture 34.- Pharmacogenetics. Differential response to drugs. Multifactorial pharmacogenetics. Pharmacogenomics.
PRACTICALS

Practicals: PBL
Session A. Introduction to solving practical cases in animal genetics: chi-square tests, probability and genealogies.
Type of practice: PBL (B1)

Session B. Resolution of practical cases related to Mendelian inheritance systems.
Type of practice: PBL (B3)

Session C. Resolution of practical cases related to gene interaction (epistasis).
Type of practice: PBL (B3)

Session D. Resolution of case studies related to lethality.
Type of practice: PBL (B3)

Session E. Resolution of practical cases related to sex-related inheritance.
Type of practice: PBL (B3)

Session F. Resolution of case studies related to gene localisation.
Type of practice: PBL (B3)

Session G. Resolution of case studies related to population genetics.
Type of practice: PBL (B3)

Session H. Analysis of the factors that can modify the genetic structure of populations. Practical description: by computing simulation, the student will be able to observe how allele frequencies for a given gene change generation after generation in small-size populations (Drift), when natural or artificial selection occurs, and when migration or mutation occurs.
Type of practice: PBL (B3)



Practicals: Laboratories

Session I. DNA extraction from animal samples.
Type of practice: Laboratory (B3)

Session J. Genetic methodologies for sex determination in animals.
Type of practice: Laboratory (B3)

Session K. Animal karyotypes I.
Type of practice: Laboratory (B3)

Session L. Animal karyotypes II.
Type of practice: Laboratory (B3)

Planning
Methodologies  ::  Tests
  Class hours Hours outside the classroom Total hours
Lecture 34 51 85
 
Problem solving, classroom exercises 2 4 6
Laboratory practicals 8 4 12
Tutorship of group 11 20 31
 
Practicals using information and communication technologies (ICTs) in computer rooms 2 2 4
 
Mixed tests 3 9 12
 
(*)The information in the planning table is for guidance only and does not take into account the heterogeneity of the students.

Methodologies
Methodologies   ::  
  Description
Lecture Masterclass: For the theoretical classes, the instructor will provide the information necessary for the student to understand and study the subject matter of each topic in the institutional Moodle educational application. Using the scheduled non-face-to-face hours, the student must use this information to acquire the appropriate knowledge. During the face-to-face hours, the teacher will present the aspects necessary for an adequate understanding of the subject and may ask the students for comments on specific aspects corresponding to the topic being explained or previous topics. It is intended that the face-to-face hours devoted to theory classes are complemented with the non-face-to-face hours so that the understanding of the discipline is more accessible and the continuous assessment of the student is facilitated. To this end, the student must have information on the subject to be covered.
Problem solving, classroom exercises Discussion groups and PBL: The teacher will present specific cases to the students and discuss possible solutions, presenting the most appropriate methodology in each particular case. At the end of the presentation, there will be a questions and answers session. In the population structure session, appropriate software will be used to analyse changes in gene frequencies induced by different evolutive forces.
Laboratory practicals Laboratory practicals: In the two-hour sessions, students, using the knowledge acquired, will try to extract DNA from biological samples, determine the sex of an individual from biological samples and know the karyotype of each of the species of veterinary interest.
Tutorship of group The resolution of practical cases related to different aspects of the different modules of the program will be addressed.
Practicals using information and communication technologies (ICTs) in computer rooms Changes in gene frequencies in population genetics will be simulated using appropriate computer programs.

Personalized attention
 
Tutorship of group
Description
Tutoring hours for all teachers will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, inclusive.

Assessment
  Description Qualification
Lecture There will be different written tests during the course and a final on-site exam. See details in "Other comments".
Problem solving, classroom exercises This section will be evaluated jointly with the master sessions and the rest of the practices.

 See details in "Other comments".
Laboratory practicals This section will be evaluated jointly with the master sessions and the rest of the practices. See details in "Other comments".
Practicals using information and communication technologies (ICTs) in computer rooms This section will be evaluated jointly with the master sessions and the rest of the practices. See details in "Other comments".
Tutorship of group This section will be evaluated jointly with the master sessions and the rest of the practices. See details in "Other comments".
Mixed tests There will be different written tests during the course and a final on-site exam. See details in "Other comments".
Others Only a pen and a non-programmable calculator will be allowed during the realization of the different tests of the course. The student will not be allowed to carry written notes or any electronic device enabling fraud or communication, such as cell phones, tablets, etc. Failure to comply with the above will result in the withdrawal of the exam and a failing grade (Guidelines for action in cases of plagiarism, copying or fraud in exams or evaluation tests. Standing Committee of the Governing Council 29/01/2015. University of León).
 
Other comments and second call

Continuous assessment procedures . Each test will contain questions, issues and problems from the corresponding theoretical and practicaltopics. Throughout the course, the following controls will be carried out:

1. Intermediate exam: On the contents of thetheoretical subjects corresponding to Modules I, II, III and IV (Subjects 1 to 16, inclusive) andPractices A, B, C, D, E and I. 2. Second part-exam: Including the theoretical topics corresponding to Modules V, VI, VII, VIII and IX (Topics 17 to 34, both inclusive)and Practices F, G, H, J, K and L. The latter is scheduled for the datecorresponding to the evaluation of the 1st ordinary exam. To pass the continuous assessment, it will be necessary: A.- To take both exams. B.- To obtain a grade point of 5/10 orhigher as the average for both exams.*

*The average can only be made with an average mark of35% in each exam's theory andpractical parts

1st ordinary call.

Students in the continuous assessment process will take the second control.

Students who have not attended the scheduled controls in the continuous assessment or who have not passed them must take the wholecourse (including the problems and the rest of the practicals). They will take a theory exam and a practical exam in thesame session.

To pass the 1st Ordinary call, it will be necessary:

A.- To attend all the practical sessions.

B.- To obtain at least 4 points out of 7 in the theoretical exam andat least 1.5 points out of 3 in the practical exam. In the case of reachingboth minimums, the final qualification shall correspond to the sum of the twosections indicated. If the minimum is not reached in one of the two sections, the student will fail,and his/her grade will be the onecorresponding to the section they have not passed.

2nd ordinary call.

Students who do not pass the first ordinary call must take the whole course in the second call. There will be two exams, one theoretical and onepractical, in the same session.

To pass the 2nd Ordinary call, it will benecessary to obtain at least 4 points out of 7 in the theoretical exam and toobtain at least 1.5 points out of 3 in the practical exam. In the case ofreaching both minimums, the final qualification shall correspond to the sum of the two sections indicated. If the minimum is not reached in one ofthe two sections, the student will fail, and his/her grade will be the onecorresponding to the section they have not passed.


Sources of information
Access to Recommended Bibliography in the Catalog ULE

Basic Griffiths AJF, Wessler SR, Lewontin RC, Carroll SB, Genética, Madrid: McGraw Hill Interamericana, 2008
Strachan T, Read AP, Genética humana, Madrid: McGraw Hill Interamericana, 2006
Jorde LB, Carey JC, Bamshad MJ, Genética médica, Elsevier España, 2016
Mensua JL, Genética: Problemas y ejercicios resueltos, Madrid: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2004
Pierce BA, Genética: Un enfoque conceptual (5ª Ed.), Genética Un enfoque conceptual: Médica Panamericana, 2016
Strachan T, Goodship J, Chinnery P, Genetics and Genomics in Medicine, Garlandscience, 2014

Complementary Mueller RF, Young ID, Genética Médica, Madrid: Marbán , 2001
Hartl Dl, Cochrane, BJ, Genetics. Analysis of genes and genomes, Jones and Bartlett Learning, 2017
Strachan T, Read AP, Human Molecular Genetics , CRC Press, 2018
Nicholas FW, Introduction to Veterinary Genetics , Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell, 2010
Krebs, JE, Goldstein, ES, Kilpatrick, ST, Lewin's Genes XII, Jones and Bartley Learning, 2017


Recommendations


Subjects that it is recommended to have taken before
BIOCHEMISTRY / 00106004
BIOSTATISTICS AND EPIDEMIOLOGY / 00106015