Genetics and Reproduction

Code: BIO14637M

6 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/162 hours

Scientific Area: Biological Sciences

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese

Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Presentation

Molecular genetics concepts allow defining the selection and reproductive biology of species and the importance of genetics in aquaculture. Importance of biodiversity and genetic conservation. Knowledge of reproduction strategies and reproductive success.

Sustainable Development Goals

Erradicar a fome - Acabar com a fome, alcançar a segurança alimentar e melhoria da nutrição e promover a agricultura sustentável.

Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

Trabalho digno e crescimento económico - Promover o crescimento económico sustentado, inclusivo e sustentável, emprego pleno e produtivo, e trabalho decente para todos.

Produção e consumo sustentáveis - Assegurar padrões de produção e de consumo sustentáveis.

Proteger a vida marinha - Conservação e uso sustentável dos oceanos, dos mares, e dos recursos marinhos para o desenvolvimento sustentável.

Learning Goals

-To relate the basic concepts of molecular genetics, from the perspective of selection and reproductive biology, with a special focus on selection programs in aquaculture;
-To recognize the importance of population genetics in aquaculture
-To understand the available molecular tools, being able to discuss their limitations and advantages;
-To understand the importance of biodiversity and of conservation of genetic resources of species used in aquaculture
-To understand the reproductive strategies of the main aquaculture organisms
-To understand the main factors that influence reproductive success.

Genetics
1.Fundamental concepts: genome, gene, genotype, phenotype.
2.Structural genomics of aquaculture: molecular markers and gene mapping.
3.Functional genomics: gene expression and implication of expression in productive and physiological traits.
4.New technologies: applications and genetic ethics in aquaculture
5.Population genetics applied to aquaculture species
6.Genetic improvement in aquaculture
7.Conservation of genetic resources of aquaculture species: maintenance of diversity and ecosystems

Reproduction
1. Reproduction in aquaculture species: fundamental concepts of reproductive biology
2. Determination and sexual differentiation in aquaculture species
3. Hormonal regulation of reproduction in aquaculture
4. Environmental control of reproduction in aquaculture facilities
5. Artificial fertilization in aquaculture
6. Reproductive characteristics of different organisms cultivated in aquaculture (i.e., fish, algae, bivalve and crustaceans).

Teaching Methods

The TP classes consist of the presentation of key concepts of genetics and reproduction, followed by discussions about the application of these concepts in aquaculture. These will be held both in person and b-learning/online. The b-learning classes include webinars by specialists in the various scientific fields of the CU, ensuring the involvement of national and international companies and research institutes. Throughout the semester, students will develop a written assignment specific for the topics covered in the b-learning classes or a global assignment. The Moodle platform will be used for online interaction with students. PL classes consist of performing, in the lab, some fundamental protocols of molecular genetics, such as DNA extraction and analysis of molecular markers.

Assessment

Final evaluation: written exam or global assignment on the topics of CU or continuous: TP (presential) and PL classes: 70% and assignment covering the TP b-learning classes: 30% or global assignment: 100%.