Presented By: Todd Winters, University of Tennessee Martin

Animal Genetics is historically considered one of the more difficult courses for students in the Animal, Wildlife, and Veterinary Science curricula. The mathematical and statistical concepts of genetics are key reasons for these difficulties. To help students understand the mathematical concepts of animal breeding and genetics in a more enjoyable manner, a series of five interconnected homework assignments emphasizing traits in the mythical animal, the unicorn, were developed. Concepts covered included: dominant & recessive traits, effects of outbreeding and inbreeding on gene and genotypic frequencies in a population, test-matings, using breeding value estimations, population statistical calculations and estimations, and hybrid vigor estimations. Because math is emphasized in the homework assignment, exams and quizzes emphasize non-mathematical concepts of genetics rather than mathematical ones. Three separate classes over three semesters, totaling 73 students were asked to reflect on their experience with the five homework assignments. Results were: 83% gave a positive answer (strongly agree/agree) that the homework assignments helped them understand mathematical concepts of animal breeding and genetics (ABG); 65% positively answered that the assignments made learning ABG more enjoyable; and 97% liked the fact that mathematical genetic concepts were emphasized on unicorn homework assignments rather than quizzes and exams. Only 7% of the students preferred to have more mathematical genetics problems on the quizzes and exams. In summary, a semester-long interconnected homework assignment can make Animal Genetics a more enjoyable class, while learning the important mathematical concepts of animal breeding and genetics.