APPLIED GENOMICS FOR ANIMAL AND CROP IMPROVEMENT

The course examines the DNA genotyping, fingerprinting and sequencing technologies which allow the understanding of structural genomics: the organization, evolution and expression of genes. Successful application of genomics to plant and animal improvement requires merging knowledge about how genomic information is generated to the practice of breeding, disciplines which may emphasize different aspects of the relationships between genotype and phenotype. Knowledge of available statistical tools and their application to exploit genomic data in identification of genomic regions associated with Mendelian traits and QTLs of interest and in practical selective breeding by means of marker-assisted selection (MAB). This course intends to bridge this gap by focusing content on recent research explaining how current genomic biology and advanced statistical tools impact key elements of the plant/animal improvement process: characterizing and assembling genetic variation, evaluation of phenotypes and identification of superior genotypes through genome-wide association studies and molecular marker-based selection procedures.