Population Genetics
Theory: 2 hours/week | ECTS Units: 3
Lectures in the English language are offered to Erasmus students
Learning Outcomes
The central purpose of the course is to demonstrate the importance of studying the genetic structure of populations, as well as the factors involved in shaping the specific genetic characteristics of each population that inhabits a particular habitat at a given time period.
The knowledge students acquire includes:
- Estimation of the genetic structure of populations
- Factors that affect genetic structure
- Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and its application in natural populations
- Gene flow and migration
- Local adaptation and evolution
- Mitochondrial DNA and its importance in population genetics studies
- Nuclear DNA markers and applications in population genetics studies
- Modern directions in the field of population genetics – Applications of next-generation sequencing
Analytical Description of the Course
i. Population Genetics: Introduction
ii. The concept of local adaptation
iii. Genetic structure and factors that affect population characteristics
iv. The importance of gene flow in population genetics
v. Molecular markers in population genetics: Applications and examples
vi. Next-generation techniques in the service of population genetics
vii. Literature review
Student Performance Evaluation
Performance in the course is assessed either by a written examination on the theoretical part of the course during the examination period, or through assignments involving Population Genetics data analysis and the writing of a report following the standards of research papers.
The written examination includes:
- Judgment/essay questions (50–60 points)
- Targeted questions requiring short and precise answers (20–30 points)
- Multiple-choice questions (20–30 points)
The total number of correct answers corresponds to 100 points, which are converted to a grade of 10.
Suggested Bibliography
- Population Genetics: A Concise Guide. Second Edition. John H. Gillespie.
- Population Genetics. Matthew Hamilton
- Human Population Genetics. John H. Relethford
Teaching Material / E-class
Lecturers
