Instructor: Felix Breden                                                                           Office: SSB 7142  (291-5647)

Course Description:

This course will review the foundations of population genetics, with an emphasis on ideas that have been used to study natural populations.  We will go over the mathematical models, and then read primary literature where these models have been used to study natural systems.
The course will be taught for the person planning a professional career in biology, who can use a working knowledge of population genetics.  A strong mathematical background is not necessary.  A background in analysis of variance and regression would be helpful.

Textbook:  Principles of Population Genetics by Hartl and Clark, Sinauer Assoc., 3rd edition.

OUTLINE

I. Introduction to Single Locus models.

 Selection
 Mutation selection balance
 Intro to Covariance mathematics

II.   Two-Locus models

 Indirect Selection/"Runaway" Selection

III.  Inbreeding/Random Genetic Drift/Population Differentiation

 Calculating Inbreeding coefficients
 Effective population size
 Inbreeding depression in natural populations/Does it exist?
 Calculating Wrightâs F-statistics, other measures of population differentiation
 Wrightâs shifting balance versus Fisherâs Fundamental Theorem
 

 Additive Genetic Variance, Pleiotropy, Epistasis
 Phenotypic Selection models
 Quantitative Models of Sexual Selection

V.    Levels of selection/ Covariance/ Kin Selection/

Grades:

Problem sets         15%
Miniquizzes          15%
Midterm              35%
Final                   35%

***Graduate students will have a special weekly tutorial, prepare a term paper and present this during final weeks of course to complete requirements of BISC 859.