Agron 932 syllabus and schedule Spring 2013.pdf

Dr. Aaron Lorenz
363 Keim Hall
Email: alorenz2@unl.edu
Phone: 472-5361
Office hours by appointment
Spring 2013, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Agron / Stat 932, Biometrical Genetics and Plant Breeding
Lecture: MW, 12-1:15 PM, Keim 264
Overview: Most economically important traits of crop species are complex and measured on a
continuous scale. The goal of this course is to introduce students to the application of biometrical
methods for cultivar development and understanding quantitative genetic variation.
Background: Students should have knowledge of introductory population and quantitative
genetics, statistical analysis, experimental design and plant breeding. Therefore, suggested
prerequisites are AGRO 815A, 815B, and 815D, AGRO/ANSCI 931, and STAT 802, or their
equivalents. Students are encouraged to contact Dr. Lorenz if they have questions about
prerequisites or their readiness to take the course.
Course format: This course has both a resident, on-campus section and an online section.
Lectures will be presented to the resident class section on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:00-
1:15 p.m. in 264 Keim Hall on UNL's East Campus. Distance students can participate in the
lectures in "real time" and/or view the taped, archived lectures online. I will post the topic
schedule online as we progress through the semester. This is my first time teaching this course,
so changes in direction and the testing of new approaches should be expected. In addition to the
text below, we will periodically cover seminal papers as well as papers that nicely illustrate a
concept. Lecture notes will be supplemented with references from which examples and concepts
were taken. Homework assignments will be given on a bi-weekly basis. Students will perform
one manuscript review or prepare a short paper on a topic in quantitative genetics and plant
breeding.
Grading: Course grades will be comprised of the following:
Hour exams (2): 55%
Problem sets (5): 25%
Term paper: 15%
Class participation: 5%

Exams: There will be three exams, including the final. Exams will emphasize interpretation of
theory and analysis of problems. Exams may be given during the lecture period, or be take-home
exams. A tentative exam schedule is given below.
Class Participation: Biometrical genetics can be learned only through study and practice at
problem solving. Class attendance and participation during class are important to good
understanding of the material. At the end of the semester the instructor will give scores each
student for class participation.
Important dates: Midterm exam -- March 13
Term paper deadline – Apr 24
Final exam – May 1, 3:30 – 5:30
Academic honesty: The following from the UNL-CSE website nicely sums up the standard of
academic honesty held in this course:
• Taking full credit for your own work, and giving full credit to others who have helped
you, or whose work you have incorporated into your own.
• Representing your own work honestly and accurately.
• Cooperating with other students on academic exercises only where specifically
authorized.
Any students found violating academic honesty policies will be automatically given an F and
reported to the department chair to determine what further punitive action is necessary.
Content: Following an overview and review of basic mathematical properties important in
biometrical genetics, three main subjects will be covered (listed with tentative sub-topics):
1. Estimation of genetic value
a. Linear models for effect estimation
b. Mixed models for multi-environment trials
c. Best linear unbiased prediction
2. Selection theory
a. Breeder’s equation
b. Decomposition of genetic variation
c. Heritability
d. Recurrent selection
e. Probability of identifying superior individuals in pedigree breeding
f. Indirect selection
i. Selection using family information
ii. Selection for multiple traits
3. Genetic architecture and incorporation of markers into breeding programs

a. Use of markers to quantify genetic variation and study population/family
structure
b. QTL mapping
c. Marker-assisted selection
d. Genomic selection
Text: There is not a required text. I will derive notes from two important texts that would be
valuable in any plant breeder’s book collection
• Bernardo, R. 2010. Breeding for quantitative traits in plants. 2 nd Ed. Stemma Press.
• Lynch, M. and B. Walsh. 1998. Vol. 1: Genetics and analysis of quantitative traits.
Sinauer, MA
Additionally, Bruce Walsh’s website contains a virtual online textbook. This is free of charge
until he officially publishes it:
http://nitro.biosci.arizona.edu/zbook/NewVolume_2/newvol2.html
Other references will consist of primary research articles and review articles which will be
provided to students as the course progresses.
Noncredit students: Students not taking this course for academic credit will be responsible for
the midterm exam and final exam. Notes and texts will be allowed on tests for noncredit
students.