Population Genetics

3 credits · Undergraduate

(3 hrs Lecture) This course covers the basics of detection and quantification of genetic variation in natural populations, and how genetic variation is affected by mutation, recombination, migration, mating patterns and changes in population size. Students are introduced to the theories of the maintenance of genetic variation by exploring natural selection versus genetic drift and how these forces affect the genetic variability of populations. Examples of the application of population genetics principles in the areas of conservation biology, evolution and human health are illustrated. The final part of the course is dedicated to the application of population genetics principles in the analysis of actual DNA and protein data. Requisite Courses: BIOL-2301 [prerequisite(s)].