BIOMG 4810

Population Genetics

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2014-2015.

Population genetics is the study of the transmission of genetic variation through time and space. This course explores how to quantify this variation, what the distribution of variation tells us about the structure of natural populations, and about the processes that lead to evolution. Topics include the diversity and measurement of genetic variation, mating and reproductive systems, selection and fitness, genetic drift, migration and population structure, mutation, multilocus models, the genetics of speciation, quantitative traits, and the maintenance of molecular variation. Emphasis is placed on DNA sequence variation and the interplay between theory and the data from experiments and natural populations. Specific case studies include the population genetic issues involved in DNA fingerprinting, personalized medicine, the genetic structure and evolution of natural and domesticated populations, and the study of adaptation at the molecular level. Examples are drawn from studies of animals, plants, and microbes.

When Offered Fall.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: BIOMG 2800, BIOEE 1780, or equivalents.

Distribution Category (PBS)

• Students will understand the fundamental genetic and evolutionary processes that shape levels and patterns of genetic variation in populations. Students will be able to apply these principles to the analysis of genetic data to address contemporary issues.
• Students will be able to apply population genetic concepts to interpret genetic data from natural populations.
• Students will be familiar with a number of experimental and statistical approaches to analyzing and inferring evolutionary processes and biological function from data.
• Students will write and discuss knowledgeably about the methods, analyses and interpretation of recent literature as well as their own analyses of data.

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