BS34020 - POPULATION & CONSERVATION GENETICS

Module Identifier

BS34020

Module Title

POPULATION & CONSERVATION GENETICS

Academic Year

2007/2008

Co-ordinator

Dr Joanne S Porter

Semester

Semester 2

Pre-Requisite

BS22120

Course delivery

Lecture

24 x 1h lectures

Other

5 x 3 h workshops

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment Length/Details	Proportion
Semester Exam	3 Hours One 3-hour theory paper	60%
Semester Assessment	Oral presentation	10%
Semester Assessment	Course Work: Four coursework assignments	30%
Supplementary Assessment	3 Hours One 3-hour theory paper (plus resubmission of failed coursework or an alternative)

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 population genetics, phylogeography and phylogenetic methods to conservation,
the relevance of transgenic technology to agriculture, conservation and medicine
the manipulation and interpretation of data, and problem solving in relation to population genetics, phylogeography and phylogenetics

Aims

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, phylogeographic and phylogenetic approaches are used for the management of particular endangered species. To inform students of the relevance of modern transgenic technology to various aspects of biology, including agriculture, conservation biology and medicine.

Content

- Molecular markers and their uses
- Review of basic population genetics (Hardy Weinberg & changes in gene frequency)
- Non-random mating and the consequences of inbreeding on conservation/Metapopulations and population dynamics
- How the loss of biodiversity & genetic diversity affects ecosystem function & environment
- Phylogeographic/phylogenetic approaches to conservation and management
- Consideration of the concept of taxonomic units and their management
- In situ conservation (extinction and preservation)
- Ex situ conservation (Gene banks - preserving genetic diversity for conservation/Reproductive technology).
- Transgenic technology and its application to conservation

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Frankham, R., Ballou, J.D., and Briscoe, D.A. (2002) Introduction to Conservation Genetics Cambridge University Press
** Supplementary Text
Avise, J.C. (2000) Phylogeography, the history and formation of species Harvard University Press
Hall, B.G. (2001) Phylogenetic trees made easy, a how-to manual for molecular biologists. Sinauer Associates Inc
Page, R.D.M. & Holmes, E.C. Molecular Evolution A Phylogenetic Approach. Blackwell Science
Ridley, M. (1996) Evolution Blackwell Science
Snouls, M. (1987) Viable populations for conservation Cambridge University Press.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6