Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2018
Agroecosystem Sciences Master  | ||||||
 Major in Animal Sciences | ||||||
| Disciplinary Competences | ||||||
| LivestockSystems | ||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 751-6501-00L | Ruminant Science (HS) | W+ | 4 credits | 4G | K. Giller, M. C. Härdi-Landerer, R. Mandel, E. Mandel, U. Witschi | |
| Abstract | The course provides the scientific basis of the central aspects of reproduction, husbandry and nutrition physiology of ruminants, and of the implications for animal welfare, product quality, breeding programs, and organic livestock systems. 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 breeding programs, feed formulation, improving forage quality, increasing animal health and welfare etc. They will be trained to carry out interdisciplinary and disciplinary research at the highest level. The course Ruminant Science (FS) offered in spring has a similar structure but is complementary to this course. | |||||
| Content | Fields (contact hours) - Introduction: 2 h - Special topics: 12 h - Lameness - Fertility in Cows - Food Intake of Ruminants - Disciplinary topics: 36 h - Ruminant Husbandry: 16 h - Ruminant Nutrition Physiology: 10 h - Reproduction in Ruminants: 8 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 special topics 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 (special topics: Organic Ruminant Systems, Tropical Ruminant Systems, Mastitis; disciplinary courses: Cattle, Sheep and Goat Breeding, Ruminant Diseases and Prophylaxis, Ruminant Nutrition and the Environment). 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, a realistic self-assessment concerning the need for additional self-study is recommended (e.g. by choosing an appropriate bachelor course which then may be counted as 'optional courses' in the master). These efforts depend on the extent to which animal science courses have already been attended in the bachelor. The control of performance will consist of: - an own lecture - a final oral examination with focus on comprehension of the fundamental linkages rather than of specific details | |||||
| 751-6601-00L | Pig Science (HS) | W+ | 2 credits | 2V | E. Mandel, M. C. Härdi-Landerer | |
| Abstract | The overall goal of the course is to provide the essential scientific knowledge of the genetic, physiological and special nutritional aspects of pigs metabolism, animal health and behaviour, and of the implications for environment, product quality, housing and animal welfare, and breeding programs. | |||||
| Learning objective | Students will - understand the complex interactions of nutrition, quality traits of products, breeding and reproduction, health management, behaviour and husbandry. - be trained to understand interdisciplinary and disciplinary research. - be able to critically analyze published research data. - be able to present precise scientific reports in oral and written form. | |||||
| Content | Main topics in Pig Science: HS - Behaviour and Husbandry of pigs: natural behaviour, behavioral needs, husbandry related behavioral disorders, design and construction of housing systems in accordance with welfare requirements and legal regulations, welfare monitoring, pigs in organic farming. - Animal Health and Diseases: animal hygiene, immunology/vaccinations, metabolic diseaeses, diarrhoe, legisalation, thermoregulation, important infections, prophylaxis. - poster, exam and evaluation FS - Special Physiology of Pig Nutrition: food intake; growth; metabolism and digestion at different growth stages; energy and specific nutritional requirements; feeding systems; environmental aspects, efeed. - Genetics: Breeding systems, reproductive techniques, performance tests and recording, etc. - oral presentation, exam, evaluation There will also be 2-3 excursions (1 HS, 1-2 FS) | |||||
| Lecture notes | Handouts/scripts are distributed by the the lecturers. | |||||
| Literature | Specific literature is indicated by the lecturers. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The lecture corresponds to the lecture "Ruminant Science" and knowledge in animal health, nutrition and breeding as well as applied ethology and animal welfare are recommended. The lecture will be in English and German (depending on the lecturers) | |||||
| 751-6901-00L | Niches in Animal Production | W+ | 1 credit | 1G | M. Kreuzer, M. Buchmann | |
| Abstract | This course deals with unconventional animals or production forms and specific aspects of for keeping them in Europe or, more specifically, in Switzerland. This includes e.g. rare breeds, wild cattle, deer, camelids, ostrich and fish. Particular emphasis will be given to the regulations and the problems occurring with import, housing and marketing of the products. | |||||
| Learning objective | At the end of the course the students are able to describe the conditions of keeping unconventional livestock and to develop recommendations for farmers intending to include niche production into the farm enterprise. | |||||
| Content | The contact hour part of the course (16 h) is conceptually a block course which is subdivided into one day of lecture and one day of excursion. The non-contact hour part (14 h) is to comprehend the information given and to prepare for the examination | |||||
| Lecture notes | A documentation will be provided at the start of the course. | |||||
| Literature | Will be communicated at the start of the course. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Lecture and excursion have the same weight with respect to time allocation | |||||
| Livestock Biology | ||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
| 751-7211-00L | Ruminal Digestion Does not take place this semester. | W+ | 1 credit | 1G | ||
| Abstract | This course broadens the knowledge in one of the most important aspects of ruminant nutrition: the microbial digestion in the rumen (and in the hindgut). For a comprehensive understanding of the rumen microbial ecosystem, the mechanisms of nutrient fermentation and the synthesis of microbial protein, thorough basics are provided. Apart from lectures, group and laboratory exercises are included. | |||||
| Learning objective | The course enables students to understand in detail how ruminal digestion works and how this knowledge can be applied to design optimal feeding diets using highly fibrous forages and a variety of other feeds. The students also are able to show how to modify the most important rumen microbes beneficially by nutritional means. | |||||
| Content | Structure of the contact hour part of the course (14 h): 2 h Introduction and blackboard exercise 8 h Basic topics in ruminal digestion, lectures and group exercises: - Systematics of the microbes involved in microbial digestion - Measurement of microbial digestion - Interactions of microbes and epithelium of the digestive tract - Differences between ruminal and hindgut microbial digestion - Microbial nutrient degradation and its modification - Efficiency of microbial protein synthesis - Manipulation of the ruminal digestion 2 h Laboratory exercise with a rumen fistulated cow and the Rumen Simulation Technique 2 h Final seminar The non-contact hour part is to comprehend the information given and to prepare either the written report or the oral presentation (cf. "Besonderes") | |||||
| Lecture notes | Lecture notes are provided via Moodle. | |||||
| Literature | Will be communicated at the start of the course. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The course is a balanced mixture of blackboard exercise, laboratory exercise, group exercise, lecture and student seminar presentation. Credit point associated with grade of either a written report or an oral presentation in the final seminar (both on a self-chosen related topic) | |||||
| 751-6113-00L | Endocrinology and Biology of Reproduction | W+ | 3 credits | 2V | S. E. Ulbrich, S. M. Bernal Ulloa | |
| Abstract | Endokrinologie und Reproduktionsbiologie der Säugetiere und des Menschen (Anatomie, Morphologie, Physiologie, Regelmechanismen) Die Systematik der Reproduktionshormone und der Hormonrezeptoren wird erläutert, die Wirkungsmechanismen (Bildung; orale Bioverfügbarkeit; Elimination) erklärt. Mit diesen Grundlagen wird das Verständnis der Regulation der Fortpflanzung umfassend erörtert. | |||||
| Learning objective | Die Studierenden erlangen das grundlegende theoretische Verständnis und Fachwissen zur Endokrinologie der Reproduktion und zur weiblichen und männlichen Reproduktionsbiologie. Sie können darüber hinaus pathologische Situationen (Fortpflanzungsstörungen) und deren vielfältige Ursachen in den physiologischen Kontext einordnen. | |||||
| Livestock Genetics | ||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
| 751-6243-00L | Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources | W+ | 1 credit | 1V | H. Signer-Hasler, C. Flury | |
| Abstract | “Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources” overviews the distribution, endangerment and conservation of farm animal genetic resources in Switzerland and abroad. The theory is illustrated with numerous examples and the knowledge is deepened in exercises. | |||||
| Learning objective | The students - overview the distribution and endangerment of animal genetic resources on national and international level and they know, where to find the relevant information. - can explain, what value can be assigned to biodiversity and name reasons, why biodiversity should be conserved. - know the national and international efforts of the present and the past to conserve biodiversity in the livestock sector. - can explain what is important concerning the management of small populations. - can explain differences between species and breeds concerning biodiversity conservation. - can describe different conservation activities, in particular in situ and ex situ conservation - can describe current national and international conservation programmes for species and breeds. | |||||
| 751-6305-00L | Livestock Breeding and Genomics | W | 3 credits | 3G | P. von Rohr | |
| Abstract | Methods for analysing livestock data, in particular for the estimation of breeding values: principles of selection index, introduction to BLUP, application of common models used, relationship matrix, methods for the estimation of variance components, basics of breeding programs. The material will be illustrated via exercises and assignments. | |||||
| Learning objective | The students are able to set up design matrices, the relationship matrix and its inverse as well as the Mixed Model equations to estimate BLUP breeding values for smaller examples. | |||||
| Content | - Selection index (various sources of information, one trait, multiple traits) - Relationship matrix and its inverse - BLUP: one trait, repeated observations, multiple traits, economic indices - Introduction to methods for the estimation of variance components - Assignments | |||||
| Lecture notes | Course notes in the form of a monograph, copies of the slides and solutions to the exercise questions are available on the net. | |||||
| Literature | To be announced in the lectures. | |||||
| Methodology Competences | ||||||
| Methods for Scientific Research | ||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
| 751-3801-00L | Experimental Design and Applied Statistics in Agroecosystem Science | W | 3 credits | 2G | A. Hund, W. Eugster, C. Grieder, R. Kölliker | |
| Abstract | Different experimental designs will be discussed and various statistical tools will be applied to research questions in agroecosystem sciences. Statistical methods range from simple analysis of variance to mixed-models and multivariate statistics. Surveys and manipulative field and laboratory experiments are addressed and students learn to analyse data using a hands-on approach. | |||||
| Learning objective | Students will know various statistical analyses and their application to science problems in their study area as well as a wide range of experimental design options used in environmental and agricultural sciences. They will practice to use statistical software packages (R), understand pros and cons of various designs and statistics, and be able to statistically evaluate their own results as well as those of published studies. | |||||
| Content | The course program uses a learning-by-doing approach ("hands-on minds-on"). New topics are introduced in the lecture hall, but most of the work is done in the computer lab to allow for the different speeds of progress of the student while working with data and analyzing results. In addition to contact hours exercises must be finalized and handed in for grading. The credit points will be given based on successful assessments of selected exercises. The tentative schedule containst the following topics: Introduction To Experimental Design and Applied Statistics Introduction to 'R' / Revival of 'R' Skills Designs of Field and Growth Chamber Experiments Nonlinear Regression Fits Multivariate Techniques: Principle Component Analysis, Canonical Correpondence Analysis (CCA), Cluster Analysis ANOVA using linear and mixed effect models Error Analysis, Error Propagation and Error Estimation Introduction to autoregression and autocorrelations in temporal and spatial data and how to consider them in ANOVA-type analysis This course does not provide the mathematical background that students are expected to bring along when signing up to this course. Alternatively, students can consider some aspects of this course as a first exposure to solutions in experimental design and applied statistics and then deepen their understanding in follow-up statistical courses. | |||||
| Lecture notes | Handouts will be available (in English) | |||||
| Literature | A selection of suggested additional literature, especially for German speaking students will be presented in the introductory lecture. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | This course is based on the course Mathematik IV: Statistik, passed in the 2nd year and the Bachelor's course "Wissenschaftliche Datenauswertung und Datenpräsentation" (751-0441-00L) | |||||
| 751-6127-00L | Practical Course in Microscopy of Functional Histology | W+ | 3 credits | 6P | S. E. Ulbrich | |
| Abstract | Die "Funktionelle Histologie" beschreibt die histologischen und zytologischen Strukturen mit ihren jeweiligen Aufgaben und Wechselwirkungen innerhalb ausgewählter Organsysteme. Die endokrinologisch relevanten Organe und deren Präparation werden am Beispiel des Rindes kennengelernt. | |||||
| Learning objective | Grundlagen der Histologie; Gewebedünnschnitte (Gefrier- und Paraffinschnitte) und deren Übersichtsfärbungen und Immunhistochemie; Fortgeschrittene Mikroskopie von Gewebedünnschnitten; Kritische Bewertung von Physiologie/Pathologie aufgrund morphologisch/histologischer Kriterien | |||||
| Content | Jeder/m Studierenden wird ein Organ zugeteilt, mit welchem sie/er sich intensiv theoretisch und praktisch auseinandersetzt. Anhand dieses Organes als rotem Faden, welches vom Schlachthof bereitgestellt und von den Studierenden selber seziert, eingebettet, geschnitten, gefärbt und mikroskopiert wird, werden die Lernziele erreicht. Die theoretischen Grundlagen werden in der Vorbereitung zum Kurs selbstständig erarbeitet. Zur Vorbereitung dient ein ausführliches Skript über die Herstellung mikroskopischer Präparate, zu Übersichtsfärbungen und zu den Prinzipien der Immunohistologie sowie zu den mikroskopischen Techniken und originäre Literatur über die Funktion des Organs in Zusammenhang mit agrarwissenschaftlichem Kontext. Die Theorie wird im Kurs im Detail vertieft und diskutiert. Im Praktikum werden das Erstellen von Gewebedünnschnitten (Kryo- und Paraffinschnitte) und das Mikroskopieren von gefärbten und ungefärbten Gewebeschnitten selbstständig durchgeführt. Die Techniken der Übersichtsfärbungen werden angewandt und durch den Nachweis spezifischer Proteine mittels Immunhistochemie ergänzt. Die Darstellung und Erkennung von Einzelstrukturen ermöglicht ein Verständnis für das jeweils übergeordnete endokrine System, in dessen Zusammenhang das Organ steht. Pathologische Veränderungen werden Präparationsartefakten gegenübergestellt und somit eine kritische Bewertung von Beurteilungen aufgrund morphologischer Kriterien vorgenommen. Aktivitäten: 5 Tage Praktischer Kurs mit theoretischen Einheiten, Vorbereitung der theoretischen Grundlagen im Selbststudium im Vorfeld, eine mündliche Präsentation der erhaltenen Ergebnisse und eine schriftliche Zusammenfassung (Arbeitsbericht) nach Abschluss des Kurses. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | In Form eines Vortrags werden den anderen TeilnehmerInnen das zugeteilte Organ bzw Gewebe bezüglich der Morphologie, Histologie und funktioneller Gesichtspunkte vorgestellt. In der Nachbereitung zum Praktikum wird ein Bericht angefertigt, in dem die Vorgehensweise (Verfahrensprotokoll), die Befunde (Ergebnisprotokoll) und die kritische Auseinandersetzung mit den Inhalten des Praktikums (kritische Beurteilung) dokumentiert werden. | |||||
| 751-6129-00L | Practical Course Epigenetics | W+ | 3 credits | 6P | S. E. Ulbrich, M. Saenz de Juano Ribes | |
| Abstract | The practical course will comprise lecture elements on introducing the topic of epigenetics in detail to you and a large amount of practical work where you will be able to perform DNA methylation analyses on your own. We will focus on DNA extraction, the estimation of Global DNA Methylation and Gene-specific Methylation. | |||||
| Learning objective | The competencies and aims for the course are as follows: Get first hands-on experience with the experimental techniques Answer a scientific question by conducting an experiments Present the principle of different techniques to other students Obtain results of an experiment and get insight into what affects technical variation and thus influences reproducibility Interpret results in an adequate manner to solve a scientific question Combine results to draw an adequate conclusion Present an epigenetics research paper | |||||
| Lecture notes | You will receive a draft outline of the week, the slides of the theoretical parts and a detailed protocol of the work we will do in advance of the practical course. | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | For receiving a total of 3 Credit Points for this practical course we kindly ask you to actively take part in the practical performance. You need to pass a 30-min written examination about the theoretical background of the techniques, approaches and the background. In addition, we ask you to present an original research paper together with a colleague. You will receive the paper in advance for preparation. We will ask you to prepare a 30 min presentation with a following discussion. Next to the presentation of your scientific paper you are asked to address questions of the presentations of your colleagues and actively take part in the discussion. Finally, we will ask you to write a lab report to be handed in at the beginning of the spring semester. | |||||
| Project Management for Scientific Research | ||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
| 751-6001-00L | Forum: Livestock in the World Food System | W+ | 2 credits | 1S | M. Kreuzer, S. M. Bernal Ulloa, R. Mandel, E. Mandel, S. Neuenschwander | |
| Abstract | This forum is a platform for the critical reflection of highly relevant topics of livestock in the frame of the world food system comprising issues from basic knowledge to acceptance in society. The exchange is operated by scientific writing and presentation. | |||||
| Learning objective | In the Forum "Livestock in the World Food System", a topic of significance for livestock agriculture is selected by the students and subsequently dealt with from various angles (from scientific basis to production systems, environmental aspects and to the acceptance by society). The students learn to present a scientific subject in writing and orally to an audience and to defend the presentation in a discussion. | |||||
| Content | The Forum "Livestock in the World Food System" will take place in blocks of 2 hours each. Once the general topic has been selected, it comprises two elements: Element 1. Oral Presentation: The students form small groups and are lecturers. There are chair persons (moderators) from outside of these small groups and they also head the discussion. The remaining students and lecturers are the audience. Element 2. Scientific writing: Option 1: preparation of a short scientific type of paper from a result table offered by the lecturers; Option 2: preparation of an abstract with limited word count from a scientific paper; Option 3: writing of a critical review of a paper. The students have to select 2 of the three options each. There will be a discussion be a discussion in small groups at two dates. Introductions to both forms of presentation will be offered by lecturers. The preparation of the oral and written presentations takes place to a small part during the 2-h blocks and mainly outside of this time. | |||||
| Lecture notes | no scriptum | |||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Requirements for allocation of the two credit points: - Theatre presentation (with handout) at the forum - Delivery of written documents of sufficient quality - Active participation during the presentations by the other participants | |||||
| 751-6003-00L | Training Course in Research Groups (Large)  | W+ | 6 credits | 13P | M. Kreuzer, R. Mandel, E. Mandel, S. Neuenschwander, H. Pausch, 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 in 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) | W+ | 3 credits | 6P | M. Kreuzer, R. Mandel, E. Mandel, S. Neuenschwander, H. Pausch, 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 in 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. | |||||
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