BIOCB 4810 - Population Genetics

(crosslisted) BIOMG 4810

Fall. 4 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisites: BIOMG 2800, BIOEE 1780, or equivalents. Co-meets with BIOCB 6810/BIOMG 6810.

P. Messer.

Population genetics is the study of the transmission of genetic variation through time and space. This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts and methods in population genetics, with a focus on exploring how patterns of genetic variation are connected to the underlying evolutionary processes. Topics include genetic drift, mutation, coalescence theory, demography, population structure, selection, fitness, quantitative traits, selective sweeps, and adaptation at the molecular level. Emphasis is placed on the interplay between theory, computer simulations, and the analysis of genetic data from natural as well as experimental populations. We will also discuss efforts to connect genotype with phenotype and ultimately fitness. Specific case studies will include the evolution of drug resistance, genetic ancestry mapping, experimental evolution of microbes, and the genetic structure and demographic history of human populations.

Outcome 1: Describe and interpret the fundamental evolutionary processes that shape patterns of genetic variation within and between populations.

Outcome 2: Develop simple computer simulations of fundamental evolutionary processes.

Outcome 3: Apply appropriate mathematical and computational analyses for inferring evolutionary parameters from population genomic data.

Outcome 4: Evaluate the power and limitations of inferring evolutionary parameters from population genomic data.

Outcome 5: Explain the application of population genetics to fields such as conservation biology, agriculture, and medicine.

Outcome 6: Critically assess current research findings in population genetics.

Outcome 7: Discuss the ethical and societal implications of population genetics research.