Current Status
Price
Get Started
Part 5. Polygenic Inheritance
This course is the last Module of the five-part course Mastering Animal Genetics: Unlocking the Code to Health-Oriented Breeding. In this final part, we will cover the following:
- What is a polygenic trait? Why is such a trait often also called multifactorial?
- The normal distribution and the Gaussian curve. What information does the Gaussian curve provide, and how does this relate to breeding?
- What are categorical traits, and why can they be more challenging to breed for than other traits?
- Systematic, random, and permanent environmental factors – how do these affect polygenic traits?
- How can the influence of environmental factors be accounted for when comparing potential breeding animals?
- How can we determine whether a trait has sufficient heritable variation to be selected for in breeding?
- Heritability – the figure that tells you whether a measurement method is useful in breeding. What else can heritability tell us, and what can it not tell us?
The exercises linked to the lessons give you the opportunity to explore the characteristics of traits being selected for in your own breed or species.
Content of the course
Empower your breeding decisions with interactive quizzes, lecture videos, and an easy-to-use glossary for quick answers.
Eight 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.
In the classroom activities, you’ll be looking at the characteristics of your own breed or population.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this course take?
This course lasts about one or two weeks, 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?
You should be familiar with the material covered in the previous parts of the course so that you can absorb the material covered in this part.
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.