Master of Science degree in Animal Breeding and Biotechnology (MABB)
Programme Overview
The aim of the programme is to produce a horticultural graduate who can think outside the box and is not restrained by conventional wisdom and practices but rather delves into the less travelled paths to create new value in the form of products and services within the confines of horticultural sciences.
Entry Requirements
To be admitted to this programme a prospective student should satisfy the following conditions:
- Have an Honours degree (class 2.2/GPA 2.0 or better) in Agriculture or the biological sciences in the following disciplines; Animal Science, Biological Science, Biotechnology and Natural Resources, or related fields from an accredited University. Candidates with a third class will be required to attend an interview to assess their competence.
- Have a General degree in Animal Science, Biological Science, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources plus a Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Studies from an accredited institution of higher learning.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Employability: After completing the programme, graduates should be able to:
- Create their own business in animal breeding.
- Work as animal breeders, biotechnologists and farm managers.Work as researchers in public and private institutions.
- Work as consultants in Animal Breeding Industry.
- Work as Lecturers at colleges and universities.
- Work in Non-Governmental Organisations.
Further Studies: Doctoral studies in Animal Breeding / Biotechnology
Programme Structure
The degree programme shall have at least 32 taught modules spread over the six teaching
semesters.
Level 1 Semester 1 Prerequisites Credits
*MABB 701 Biometry for Animal Science 18
*MABB 702 Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology 18
*MABB 703 Molecular Biotechnology 18
*MABB 704 Animal Genetics and Genetic Resource Conservation 18
*MABB 705 Population and quantitative genetics 18
*MABB 706 Seminar (Research Ethics, Biosecurity and Animal Welfare) 18
Level 1 Semester 2
*MABB711 Animal Biotechnology MABB 703 18
*MABB712 Bioinformatics and Proteomics MABB 701 18
*MABB713 Microbial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology MABB 703 18
*MABB 14 Genomics MABB704/705 18
*MABB715 Applied Animal Breeding MABB 705 18
Level 2 Semester 1 & 2
*MABB 800 Dissertation MABB701/706 180
MODULE SYNOPSES
MABB701 Biometry for Animal Science
This module will include the following concepts in research methods; research process and research planning, site selection, data collection, statistical and data management software, sampling, and surveys. It will also include the use of statistical software (R, SAS, GEN STAT) in dealing with the following concepts: statistical inference; one-way and two-way analysis of variance; experimental design: single factor, multifactorial experiments. It will also cover fixed, random, and mixed models. Nested experiments and split-plot design; confounding systems.
MABB702 Rreproductive Anatomy and Physiology
The module covers the structure and function of the reproductive systems of farm animals in detail. It also covers the effects of abnormalities of the reproductive systems on animal health and productivity possible solutions. Enhancing the success of reproduction through techniques such as synchronizing oestrus, multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET), and artificial insemination (AI) is emphasized. The use of hormones in enhancing animal growth and development are covered. Practicals include reproductive tract evaluations, semen quality analysis, oestrus synchronization protocols, and estimating pregnancy stages through ultrasound.
MABB703 Molecular Biotechnology
The module covers replication, transcription, translation and cell function. The interaction between deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), and proteins; mechanisms regulating the interactions are covered. Application of molecular techniques is emphasized, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis, macromolecule blotting and probing, microarrays, and allele-specific oligonucleotides. Effects of naturally and artificially induced mutations in micro molecules on animal products, health, and welfare are covered.
MABB704 Animal Genetics and Genetic Resource Conservation
The module covers the genomes of ruminants, poultry, and pigs. It also covers web-based genome browsers and databases (EMBL and NCBI). The course also explores methods used to study genomes, transcriptomes, and proteomes: high throughput microarray technologies for sequence variation and expression, tiling arrays, next-generation sequencing, quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping. Genetic diversity based on molecular data and genetic variability within and between indigenous livestock is covered. In situ and in vivo conservation of genetic resources is discussed. Practicals involve phylogenetic analysis using computational approaches, morphological and molecular characterization of livestock.
MABB705 Population and Quantitative Genetics
The module covers Mendelian variation, Hardy-Weinberg law, changes in population gene frequency: migration, mutation, and selection. It also covers genetic parameters of quantitative traits: heritability, variance, breeding value, selection response, inbreeding coefficient, correlation coefficient. Methods of mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL): marker loci, QTL genotypes, single-marker analysis, and interval mapping analysis are discussed. Practicals include estimation of (co)variance components and resulting genetic parameters using data sets from livestock improvement programs.
MABB706 Seminar on Research Ethics, Biosecurity and Animal Welfare
Moral principles in the planning, conducting, analyzing, and reporting research work are discussed. Social issues that arise when dealing with human and animal subjects; the potential legal, social, and political issues, views on the issue of genetically modified organisms are also covered. The security measures required in conducting research using potentially harmful reagents and microbes are discussed. Focus is also on animal welfare with the aim of allowing normal animal behavior, minimizing stress, and providing hygienic environments. The impact of animal welfare on productivity, health, and end products is discussed. Students will be introduced to the Prevention of Animal Cruelty Act and World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines on animal welfare.
MABB711 Animal Biotechnology
The module covers gene cloning, restriction endonucleases; cloning vectors: methods of gene transfer, chromosome walking; site-specific mutagenesis; potentials of recombinant DNA technology. Animal models in research, genetic manipulation in animals, and reproductive cloning in animals are also covered. Aspects of production of genetically modified animals including stages of production, advantages, and disadvantages of genetically modified organisms will be dealt with. Facilitated reproduction (in vitro fertilization), production of human proteins in genetically modified animals is looked into. Gene therapy, biotechnology applications in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, biosafety, and bioethical issues of biotechnology will be covered.
MABB712 Bioinformatics and Proteomics
The module covers sequence analysis: DNA sequencing, sequence assembly, genome annotation, and computational evolutionary biology; analysis of gene and protein expression; microscopy and image analysis: protein localization and chromosome topology. Protein structure prediction and network system biology are dealt with. Post-translational modification of proteins; phosphorylation, ubiquitination; high-throughput proteomic technologies: mass spectrometry and protein profiling, and reverse-phased protein microarrays are covered. Practicals include the collection of proteomic data using mass spectrometry, microarrays, and using computational approaches to analyze the data.
MABB713 Microbial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
The module covers the diversity of microbes, and their potential in microbial and pharmaceutical biotechnology as well as microbial gene and genome structure and function. Bacteriophage structure and biology; transduction particles; transposable elements, virulent and virulent phages, and microbial metabolism and their manipulation are dealt with. The module explores microbial culture preservation methods such as refrigeration, paraffin method, cryopreservation, and lyophilization. Production of heterologous proteins (e.g. insulin and recombinant porcine and bovine somatotropins) using microorganisms is also covered.
MABB714 Genomics
The module covers genomes of domestic animal species and the use of databases to obtain molecular data related to animal breeding and health. Current laboratory techniques used to obtain segments of genetic information and computational approaches in genome mapping are included. The module integrates genome information, biotechnology, and bioinformatics to uncover the molecular basis of complex genetic traits of importance to animal breeders. It also looks into the genomic selection of morphometric traits utilizing genetic markers spanning the whole genome. The use of molecular genetics in phylogenetic and evolutionary process analysis of different populations and nutrigenomics is emphasized.
MABB715 Applied Animal Breeding
The module covers the application of genetics (Mendelian, population, quantitative and molecular genetics) in the improvement of livestock productivity. It looks into the evaluation of traits of economic importance in livestock (e.g. yield estimate, growth rate, disease resistance, body parameters, meat, and milk quality) and pedigree analysis. Genetic improvement methods are covered, that is, crossbreeding and inbreeding. Application of multiple ovulation and embryo transfer, and artificial insemination. The module looks into the economic evaluation of different breeding plans. Practicals include developing breeding programs that are climate-smart and account for climate change.
MABB800 Research Project
In this module students are expected to review published literature, summarise and give an overview of methodologies used in consonance with their intended area of research. Students are expected to demonstrate the ability to undertake original research in animal breeding or biotechnology through: formulating a hypothesis, designing an experiment, gathering data, statistically analyzing the data, scientific writing, and preparing a manuscript. Emphasis will be on commercializing innovations and research. The oral presentations of the proposal, interim results, and final defense of their research findings are required. The departmental board shall ensure that the student has sufficient supervision. Where a student is permitted to carry out their research work in another institution or country, an Associate Supervisor in that institution or country will be required.