The course provides necessary background knowledge on population genetic theory and lab techniques applied to the conservation of rare and endangered species in four academic credits. Teaching includes classes of population genetic theory and applied population genetics, with integrated laboratory sessions on DNA analysis and computer tutorials to process genetic data on animal populations using dedicated software.
HEDRICK P (2009) Genetics of Populations. Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
ALLENDORF FW, LUIKART G (2006) Conservation and the Genetics of Populations. Blackwell Publishing.
FRANKHAM R., BALLOU JD., BRISCOE DA (2004) A Primer of Conservation genetics. Cambridge University Press
Learning Objectives
The course provides background knowledge on molecular genetic theory and methods applied to population ecology. The study of nuclear and mitochondrial genome allows description of evolutionary, demographic and behavioural processes as well as parameters related to individual fitness components. Characterization of genetic variability among individuals is crucial to describe population dynamics and design wildlife management and conservation plans. The course includes laboratory practices
Prerequisites
Recommended courses: Genetics
Teaching Methods
Lectures with slides and practical modules
Further information
N/A
Type of Assessment
Oral exame
Course program
The genetic code. Basic statistics for population genetics. Genetic variability. Polymorphism and heterozygosity. Nuclear and mitochondrial genomes for population and interspecific analysis of genetic diversity: molecular markers and analysis techniques. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and its applications. Population structure. Wright statistics. Inbreeding. Genetic drift and effective population size. Genetic variation and fitness. Inbreeding depression. Mutation, gene flow and genetic variability. Models of natural selection. Genetic distance measures and population genetic variance. Evolutionary history and population demography. Phylogeography and phylogeny. Management units and species concept. Introgression and hybridization. Mating systems and parentage analysis. Use of population genetic data to help in the design of wildlife management and conservation plans.