Stefan Neuenschwander: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2015

Name	PD Dr. Stefan Neuenschwander
Field	Molekulare Tierzucht
E-mail	stefan.neuenschwander@usys.ethz.ch
Department	Environmental Systems Science
Relationship	Privatdozent

Number	Title	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
751-6003-00L	Training Course in Research Groups (Large)	6 credits	13P	M. Kreuzer, E. Hillmann, S. Neuenschwander, S. E. Ulbrich
Abstract	The students will learn the conceptual and methodological background of research in the animal science groups of the Institute of Plant, Animal and Agroecosystem Science. In addition to teaching the theoretical background, the major aim of the course is to integrate the students into the research groups (on job training) and, hence, to focus on the practical application of the knowledge.
Learning objective	- Introduction into the conceptual and methodological basis of research - Integration of the students into the research groups (on job training) - Application of the gained knowledge
Content	The students will be integrated into the research groups’ day-to-day work and will thus deal with all aspects of scientific work. This comprises the planning (conceptually and logistically), execution (data collection, laboratory analyses) and evaluation (statistics, data presentation) of experiments as well as the basics of scientific writing (aim: later publication, Master thesis). The research topics and the range of methodologies vary between the animal science research groups of the Institute of Plant, Animal and Agroecosystem Sciences.
Lecture notes	None
Literature	Specific readings after enlisting in a particular research group.
Prerequisites / Notice	The number of training slots in the various groups is limited. It is therefore highly recommended to contact the group leaders early enough (first come first serve). The full integration in a research group often means to work on weekends. The total time budget is equivalent to about 180 hours. Active participation in group meetings (discussion, presentation) and short written reports about the work conducted are required for the 6 credit points. There are no grades, it is only pass or fail.
751-6003-01L	Training Course in Research Groups (Small)	3 credits	6P	M. Kreuzer, E. Hillmann, S. Neuenschwander, S. E. Ulbrich
Abstract	The students will learn the conceptual and methodological background of research in the animal science groups of the Institute of Plant, Animal and Agroecosystem Science. In addition to teaching the theoretical background, the major aim of the course is to integrate the students into the research groups (on job training) and, hence, to focus on the practical application of the knowledge.
Learning objective	- Introduction into the conceptual and methodological basis of research - Integration of the students into the research groups (on job training) - Application of the gained knowledge
Content	The students will be integrated into the research groups’ day-to-day work and will thus deal with all aspects of scientific work. This comprises the planning (conceptually and logistically), execution (data collection, laboratory analyses) and evaluation (statistics, data presentation) of experiments as well as the basics of scientific writing (aim: later publication, Master thesis). The research topics and the range of methodologies vary between the animal science research groups of the Institute of Plant, Animal and Agroecosystem Sciences.
Lecture notes	None
Literature	Specific readings after enlisting in a particular research group.
Prerequisites / Notice	The number of training slots in the various groups is limited. It is therefore highly recommended to contact the group leaders early enough (first come first serve). The full integration in a research group often means to work on weekends. The total time budget is equivalent to about 90 hours. Active participation in group meetings (discussion, presentation) and short written reports about the work conducted are required for the 3 credit points. There are no grades, it is only pass or fail.
751-6230-00L	Molecular Animal Genetics	2 credits	2G	S. Neuenschwander
Abstract	Methods and technologies of molecular genetics, proteomics and their importance for genome analysis (identification of gene loci, gene mapping), gene diagnostics (analysis of hereditary diseases, parentage control and forensics). To evaluate the significance of high-throughput genotyping methods (SNP chip) and Next Generatition Sequencing (NGS) methods for breeding value estimation.
Learning objective	Show the importance of molecular animal genetics for animal production in Switzerland and international agriculture. Introduce methods for systematic identification of loci for important performance and disease traits and analysis of the molecular nature of variation at the loci. The matter is illustrated on practical examples.
Content	Structure and function of genes, DNA replication, preparation and characterization of nucleic acids, amplification of DNA molecules by PCR, sequencing of DNA, DNA arrays, demonstration of DNA-, blood group- and protein variants, genome mapping, gene diagnostics in farm animals, practical realization of analyses for parentage verification and forensics. Genotyping and genomic breeding estimation.
Lecture notes	Script will be made available (paper, in german) and power point transparancies (electronic) will be available
Literature	Campbell, N.A.; Reece, J.B.: Biologie, Pearson Education Geldermann, Hermann: Tier-Biotechnologie, Ulmer Verlag, Stuttgart.
Prerequisites / Notice	Basics in Biology Recommended: Lecture "Allgemeine Tierzucht", "Quantitative and Population Genetics"
751-6502-00L	Ruminant Science (FS)	4 credits	4G	M. Kreuzer, M. C. Härdi-Landerer, S. Marquardt, S. Neuenschwander, C. Soliva
Abstract	The course provides the scientific basis of the central aspects in ruminants of cattle, sheep and goat breeding, diseases and the interrelationship of animal nutrition and environment. Aspects of organic farming and tropical livestock systems form part of the course. Means of knowledge transfer include interdisciplinary approaches, disciplinary parts, web-based learning and self-study.
Learning objective	At the end of the course the students are able to apply, by a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms, their knowledge in various fields of ruminant science. They will be able to develop and recommend best strategies for large and small ruminant breeding, for sustained animal health and disease prophylaxis, for environmentally friendly animal nutrition etc. They will be trained to carry out interdisciplinary and disciplinary research at the highest level. The course Ruminant Science (HS) offered in autumn has a similar structure but is complementary to this course.
Content	Fields (contact hours) - Introduction - Interdisciplinary topics: 12 h - Organic Ruminant Systems - Tropical Ruminant Systems - Mastitis - Disciplinary topics: 36 h - Cattle, Sheep and Goat Breeding: 12 h - Ruminant Diseases and Prophylaxis: 12 h - Ruminant Nutrition and the Environment (incl. general introduction): 12 h - Lectures held by the students: 4 h In summary - Contact hours: 52 h - Self-study within semester: 30 h (especially preparation for the interdisciplinary courses and the own lecture) - Self-study in semester break: 38 h Total: 120 h
Lecture notes	Documentations, links and other materials will be provided at the start of the course.
Literature	Information on books and other references will be communicated during the course.
Prerequisites / Notice	The specialty of this course is that for the first time the animal science disciplines are unified. This is realised with a particular emphasis on interdisciplinary focal areas and new forms of teaching. At the same time the essential basics in the central fields are communicated. The field of Ruminant Science will also be a part of the spring semester (planned interdisciplinary topics: Lameness, Fertility in Cows, Food Intake; disciplinary courses: Animal Husbandry, Ruminant Reproduction, Nutrition Physiology in Ruminants). However both courses are organized independently. Conditions for successful participation: Background on animal science from the Bachelor is desired. In order to attend the Minor in Ruminant Science without any animal science background, 2 credit units are reserved for an initial self-study of the basics necessary to successfully pass the minor. A realistic self-assessment concerning the need for additional self-study is recommended for students which focused on Agricultural and Resource Economics in the Bachelor of Agricultural Science ETH. This necessary effort depends on the extent to which animal science courses have been already attended in the BSc. The control of performance will consist of: - an own lecture - an interdisciplinary final oral examination with focus on comprehension of the fundamental linkages rather than of specific details
751-6602-00L	Pig Science (FS)	3 credits	2G	G. Bee, E. Hillmann, S. Neuenschwander
Abstract	The overall goal of the course is to provide the essential scientific knowledge of the genetic, physiological, behavioural and special nutritional aspects of pigs metabolism, health and diseases, and of the implications for product quality and economics.
Learning objective	Students will - understand the complex interactions of nutrition, quality traits of products, breeding and reproduction, health management and husbandry as well as various production systems including economics. - be able to critically analyze published research data. - be able to present precise scientific reports in oral form.
Content	After the Introduction (Aims of the course, organisation, program, student contribution & evaluation), actual topics that are relevant for pig production will be presented: Nutrition; SGD; Breeding; Slaughtering; Economic Aspects; Meat Quality; presentation of Current Dissertations.
Lecture notes	Handouts/scripts are being individually distributed by the the lecturers.
Literature	Specific literature is being indicated individually by the lecturers.