Breeding Programme Modelling with AlphaSimR from edX

This online course will equip participants with an understanding of computer modelling of breeding programmes to enhance genetic improvements in agriculture. The modelling is done through the AlphaSimR package.

The package provides a set of functions that represent breeding activities. The combination of these functions in an R script allows the modelling of simple and arbitrarily complex breeding programmes. It also allows evaluation of the effects of alternative breeding scenarios on the rate of genetic improvement and other key performance indicators.

The course is taught by experts in the field and is applicable to a range of breeding programmes as demonstrated through local and global case studies.

Wheat field image by Alf Ceplitis.

What you'll learn

1) Recall the key steps in setting up and designing a computer (in-silico) breeding programme to simulate and study a chosen population and understand the objectives that the in-silico breeding programme is being tailored to address.

2) Apply and build a breeding programme with AlphaSimR and use it to simulate and analyse a range of scenarios for a chosen population using an online R platform, which allows participants to access, manipulate, and run code.

3) Evaluate different breeding scenarios best suited to different species, populations, and available resources. Use information from the course to create a breeding programme which meets these objectives and derive tangible interpretations based on the simulation results.

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to breeding programme modelling

Week 2: Relationship between DNA & traits

Week 3: DNA Lottery

Week 4: Response to selection

Week 5: Modelling complex breeding programmes

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

In-silico breeding programme simulations, like the ones taught here, offer an environment that is both dynamic and responsive. This is highly valuable for learners who want to create in-silico experiments that are iterative in nature

This course provides learners with an opportunity to learn by doing thanks to the simulations. These simulations help students learn by engaging in trial and error

AlphaSimR, the software which will be the focus of this course, is open-source and boasts an active community of users. This community is useful for students who want supplemental support as they work through the course materials

Using in-silico computer models to study plant breeding is a forward-thinking approach in which more and more experts are securing funding. Familiarity with these models is a competitive edge

The case studies in this course are international in scope. This broadens the range of issues and topics covered. In turn, more learners will be able to relate to the material

This is a foundational course for students who are new to computer simulation modeling

Career center

Learners who complete Breeding Programme Modelling with AlphaSimR will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Crop and Soil Scientist

Crop and Soil Scientists play a vital role in the agricultural industry by applying their knowledge of plant and soil science to improve crop production and soil management. This course would be particularly useful for Crop and Soil Scientists who want to gain a deeper understanding of computer modelling of breeding programmes to enhance genetic improvements in agriculture.

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Quantitative Geneticist

Quantitative Geneticists use mathematical and statistical methods to study the inheritance of traits in plants and animals. This course would be helpful for Quantitative Geneticists who want to learn how to use computer modelling to simulate and study breeding programmes.

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Plant Geneticist

Plant Geneticists use their knowledge of genetics and plant breeding to improve the quality and yield of crops. This course would be helpful for Plant Geneticists who want to learn how to use computer modelling to simulate and study breeding programmes.

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Animal Geneticist

Animal Geneticists use their knowledge of genetics and animal breeding to improve the quality and yield of livestock. This course would be helpful for Animal Geneticists who want to learn how to use computer modelling to simulate and study breeding programmes.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use their knowledge of data analysis and machine learning to solve problems in a variety of industries. This course would be helpful for Data Scientists who want to learn how to use computer modelling to simulate and study breeding programmes.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course may be helpful for Software Engineers who want to learn how to develop software for computer modelling of breeding programmes.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians use their knowledge of statistics to design and analyse experiments in the life sciences. This course would be helpful for Biostatisticians who want to learn how to use computer modelling to simulate and study breeding programmes.

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Agricultural Economist

Agricultural Economists use their knowledge of economics to analyse the agricultural industry. This course would be helpful for Agricultural Economists who want to learn how to use computer modelling to simulate and study breeding programmes.

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Science Writer

Science Writers write about scientific topics for a variety of audiences. This course may be helpful for Science Writers who want to learn about computer modelling of breeding programmes.

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Science Teacher

Science Teachers teach science at the secondary school level. This course may be helpful for Science Teachers who want to learn about computer modelling of breeding programmes.

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Rancher

Ranchers raise livestock. This course may be helpful for Ranchers who want to learn about computer modelling of breeding programmes.

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Farmer

Farmers grow crops and raise livestock. This course may be helpful for Farmers who want to learn about computer modelling of breeding programmes.

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Ecologist

Ecologists study the interactions between organisms and their environment. This course may be helpful for Ecologists who want to learn about computer modelling of breeding programmes.

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Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists study the behaviour and ecology of wildlife. This course may be helpful for Wildlife Biologists who want to learn about computer modelling of breeding programmes.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and the impact of human activities on the environment. This course may be helpful for Environmental Scientists who want to learn about computer modelling of breeding programmes.

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