Module Identifier BS34020  
Module Title POPULATION & CONSERVATION GENETICS  
Academic Year 2006/2007  
Co-ordinator Dr Joanne S Porter  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Dr Helen Marshall  
Pre-Requisite BS22120  
Course delivery Lecture   24 x 1h lectures  
  Other   5 x 3 h workshops  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam3 Hours One 3-hour theory paper  60%
Semester Assessment Oral presentation  10%
Semester Assessment Course Work: Four coursework assignments  30%
Supplementary Assessment3 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:


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