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Conservation Genetics
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:05
Abstract
The course introduces the basic concepts of conservation genetics, such as inbreeding, inbreeding depression, adaptive genetic diversity, hybridization, or fragmentation. The course shows how genetic methods are used in conservation genetics and potentially applied in practical management, and it critically discusses the benefits and limits of conservation genetics.
Objective
The course equips students with knowledge on the fundamenals of genetics and evolutionary biology in relation with and applied to conservation management. Practical examples dealing with animals and plants are presented. Students are asked to discuss and evaluate the benefits and limits of conservation genetics.
Content
There are 4 hours of lectures, presentations and group work per week. Students also have to spend about 3 hours per week on preparatory work for the following week. Every week, one subject will be presented by one of the lecturers. Overview of themes: Barcoding, eDNA metabarcoding and genetic monitoring; effects of small population size, genetic drift and inbreeding; neutral and adaptive genetic diversity; hybridization; gene flow, fragmentation and connectivity. Specific topics: (1) Introduction to population genetic and genetic toolbox for conservation genetics (2) Patterns/processes related to small populations (3) Adaptive genetic diversity (4) Hybridization and monitoring of genetic diversity (5) Half-day field trip on connectivity measures (6) Wrap-up excursion; Identification of species: (meta-)barcoding (7) Written examination
Resources
Lecture Notes
No script; handouts and material for downloading will be provided.
Literature
There is no textbook for this course, but the following book is recommened for extra reading: Allendorf F.W., Funk W.C., Aitken S.N., Byrne M., Luikart G. 2022. Conservation and the genomics of populations (3rd edition). Oxford University Press, Oxford. The following book and booklets in German are targeted to conservation practitioners: Holderegger R., Segelbacher G. (eds.). 2016. Naturschutzgenetik. Ein Handbuch für die Praxis. Haupt, Bern. Csencsics D., Gugerli F. 2017. Naturschutzgenetik. WSL Berichte 60: 1-82. (free download at https://www.dora.lib4ri.ch/wsl/islandora/object/wsl:15155/datastream/PDF )
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Conservation Genetics |
|
60 h semesterly |
Offered In
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Doctorate Environmental Systems Sciences (More Information at: )
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