Module Identifier BS34020  
Module Title POPULATION AND CONSERVATION GENETICS  
Academic Year 2001/2002  
Co-ordinator Dr Simon Creasey  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Dr Glynis Giddings  
Pre-Requisite BS22120  
Course delivery Lecture   24 Hours  
  Workshop   5 Hours 5 workshops  
  Practical   2 Hours Two 3-hour  
Assessment Oral examination   2 Hours Oral presentation   10%  
  Course work   Three coursework assignments   30%  
  Exam   3 Hours One 3-hour theory paper   60%  
  Resit assessment   3 Hours One 3-hour theory paper (plus resubmission of failed courswork or an alternative)    

Aims and objectives


To provide the theoretical background for understanding population genetics and its relevance to conservation. To inform of the way in which molecular techniques can be used for the management of rare and threatened species. To motivate students, by considering how population genetics is used for the management of particular endangered species, and by considering how medicine and health care has affected the genetic makeup of human populations.

Content


Review of basic population genetics (Hardy Weinberg & changes in gene frequency). Approaches to conservation (Reserve Design. Species Vs Habitats) Non-random mating & the consequences of inbreeding. The influence of humans on the populations of other species and on themselves (How the loss of biodiversity & genetic diversity affects ecosystem function & environment; Do GMOs present a risk to the environment? Host - parasite interactions; medicine and health care influences on human populations). In situ conservation (The use of molecular markers. Extinction and preservation). Ex situ conservation (Gene banks - preserving genetic diversity for conservation. Reproductive technology).

Learning outcomes


On completion of this module, students should be able to write examination essays which demonstrate a clear appreciation of

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Cook, L.M.. (1991) Genetics & ecological diversity. Chapman & Hall.
Hoelzel, A.R. & Dover, G.A.. (1991) Molecular genetic ecology. Oxford University Press.
Hartl, D.L. & Jones, E.W.. (1998) Genetics: Principles and analysis. 4th. Jones & Bartlett.
Soule, M.. (1987) Viable populations for conservation. Cambridge University Press.
Snustad, Simmons & Jenkins. (1997) Principles of genetics. John Wiley & Sons.