Population Genetics (8675.2)

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Unit Outlines

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• Semester 1, 2015, ON-CAMPUS, BRUCE (147029) - View

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Syllabus

The goal of this unit is to provide an overview of population genetic theory and an introduction to the various genetic techniques used to study populations. The focus will be on key principles as well as the major recent technical advances that are revolutionising this field. Students will gain hands-on experience in using these techniques, and in analysing and critically evaluating genetic data from real examples in an applied context. The unit will stress the application of population genetics to issues in human and wildlife forensics, medical research, wildlife management and the maintenance of biodiversity. The knowledge and skills gained will help prepare students for other advanced genetics units, for laboratory-based research and for professional work that is concerned with human, wildlife or other populations.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate skills in communication and working with others through engagement in a student-led research project and presentations of this research;

2. Critically evaluate published research in the field of population genetics;

3. Demonstrate skills in problem solving, critical thinking and in being able to evaluate and interpret data; and

4. Apply population genetic theory and techniques towards solving real world problems, such as the genetic identification of individuals, populations and species, paternity analyses, and the conservation of threatened populations and species.

Assessment Items

Contact Hours

5 hours per week.

Prerequisites

Concepts in Biology AND Chemistry 1A AND Genetics.

Assumed Knowledge

First year biology and second year genetics.