BS34020 - POPULATION AND CONSERVATION GENETICS

Module Identifier

BS34020

Module Title

POPULATION AND CONSERVATION GENETICS

Academic Year

2004/2005

Co-ordinator

Dr Joanne S Porter

Semester

Semester 2

Other staff

Dr James J Bell

Pre-Requisite

BS22120

Course delivery

Lecture

24 Hours

Other

15 Hours Workshop. 5 x 3 hours

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment Length/Details	Proportion
Semester Exam	3 Hours One 3-hour theory paper	60%
Semester Assessment	Course Work: Four coursework assignments	30%
Semester Assessment	2 Hours Group presentation and debate, online debate	10%
Supplementary Assessment	3 Hours One 3-hour theory paper (plus resubmission of failed courswork 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 basic principles of human population genetics, the relevance to 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 about ways in which molecular techniques can be used for the management of rare and threatened species.
To motivate students, by considering how population genetic, phylogeographic and phylogenetic approaches are used for the management of particular endangered species, and by considering how medicine and health care has affected the genetic makeup of human populations.
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 & the consequences of inbreeding on conservation/Metapopulations and population dynamics
Evolution of human populations
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
Do GMOs present a risk to the environment?

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Frankham, R., Ballou, J.D., and Briscoe, D.A. (2002) Introduction to Conservation Genetics Cambridge University Press
Page, R.D.M. & Holmes, E.C. Molecular Evolution A Phylogenetic Approach. Blackwell Science
Hall, B.G. (2001) Phylogenic trees made easy, a how-to manual for molecular biologists. Sinauer Associates Inc
Avise, J.C. (2000) Phylogeography, the history and formation of species Harvard University Press
** Supplementary Text
Ridley, M. (1996) Evolution Blackwell Science
Snouls, M. (1987) Viable populations for conservation Cambridge University Press.
Snustad, Simmons & Jenkins (1997) Principles of genetics John Wiley & Sons.
Hartl, D.L. & Jones, E.W. (1998) Genetics: Principles and analysis 4th. Jones & Bartlett.
Cook, L.M. (1991) Genetics & ecological diversity Chapman & Hall.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6