Part 1. Genes and Their Regulation
This course is the first Module of a five-part course Mastering Animal Genetics: Unlocking the Code to Health-Oriented Breeding. In this first part, you will learn:
- The fascinating structure and function of DNA. What is a gene? How are proteins made from the recipes encoded in DNA? What are proteins needed for?
- How genes work and how their activity is regulated. What are the DNA police, and what does epigenetics mean? What happens when gene regulation goes wrong? What are mutations, and why are they sometimes beneficial?
- How parental genes are passed on to offspring. We will learn what chromosomes are and why they come in pairs.
- Interesting examples… …from dogs, cats, and horses alike. Are a dog’s short legs the result of a mutation? How is coat length inherited? And what about height at the withers?
Content of the course
Empower your breeding decisions with interactive quizzes, lecture videos, and an easy-to-use glossary for quick answers.
Seven lessons
You can watch the lesson on video or read it in text – or do both to enhance your learning! The points made in the lecture videos are also in the text of each lesson, so you don’t have to search for a particular point in the video if you want to go back and check something.
Interactive quizzes
Reinforce learning with short quizzes after each lesson to test your understanding.
Flexible learning
Study at your own pace with a six-month access to course materials.
Glossary of Terms
Access an easy-to-use glossary to clarify complex genetic terminology.
Expert support
Get personalised help and answers to your questions from Dr. Katariina Mäki, PhD in Animal Breeding.
There’s a question and comment section after each lesson – you can ask all those questions that have been bothering you for years. Remember, there are no stupid questions!
Certificate of completion
Showcase your knowledge with a professional certificate you can share on social media or print.
Watch a sample lesson
Click on the image to open the lesson:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this course take?
This course lasts about one week, depending on how many lessons you want to complete per day.
You can study at your own pace.
When does this course start?
There is no fixed start date for the course. You can start the course as soon as you purchase it.
Are there any prerequisites for this course?
There are no prerequisites for the course. You will learn the basics from the very beginning.
Do I need special tools to participate?
You will need an internet connection and a computer or smart device.
How long will I have access to the course material?
You will have access to the course for six months (180 days) from the date of purchase.
What if I am not satisfied with this course?
Your satisfaction is our priority! If the course doesn’t meet your expectations, simply reach out within 14 days for a full refund—no questions asked.
Please note! When you purchase this course, you will still be on this same page. To start the course, open the first lesson ‘Welcome to the course’ by clicking ‘View Lesson’. If you are on a computer, you will find the Lesson menu on the right hand side of the page. If you are on a smartphone, the menu will appear at the bottom of the page.