BS34020 - POPULATION AND CONSERVATION GENETICS

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

the principles of population genetics
the application of genetics to conservation
the basic principles of human population genetics
be able to manipulate and interpret data, and solve problems relating to population genetics.

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.