BTRY 4810 - Population Genetics

(crosslisted) BIOMG 4810

Fall. 4 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: BIOMG 2800, BIOEE 1780, or equivalents.

P. Messer.

Population genetics is the study of the transmission of genetic variation through time and space. This course explores what the patterns and dynamics of genetic variation in populations can teach us about the processes that underlie evolution. Topics include the quantification of genetic variation, mutation, selection and fitness, genetic drift, migration, population structure, multilocus models, quantitative traits, and adaptation at the molecular level. We will also discuss efforts to connect genotype with phenotype and ultimately fitness. Emphasis is placed on the interplay between theory, computer simulations, and data from natural as well as experimental populations. Specific case studies include the evolution of drug resistance, experimental evolution of microbes and insects, breeding techniques in plants and animals, the evolution of cancer, and the genetic structure and evolution of human populations.

Outcome 1: 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.

Outcome 2: Students will be able to apply population genetic concepts to interpret genetic data from natural populations.

Outcome 3: Students will be familiar with a number of experimental and statistical approaches to analyzing and inferring evolutionary processes and biological function from data.

Outcome 4: Students will write and discuss knowledgeably about the methods, analyses and interpretation of recent literature as well as their own analyses of data.