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701-1413-01L 3 Credits BSC D-USYS
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Ecological Genetics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Alex Widmer, Dr. Martin Fischer, Simone Fior
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:47:00

Abstract

This course focuses on fundamental concepts and methods in ecological genetics. Topics covered include genetic diversity, natural selection, adaptation, reproductive isolation, hybridization and speciation.

Objective

Students are familiar with fundamental concepts in ecological genetics and with current scientific methods. They can propose strategies to study evolutionary processes in natural populations by combining their knowledge from different disciplines, including population and quantitative genetics, ecology and evolution.

Content

Concepts and methods for the study of genetic diversity, biodiversity, natural selection, adaptation, reproductive isolation, hybridization and speciation.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Handouts will be provided electronically.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 90 minutes
Aids
Wörterbuch für Studierende nicht-deutscher Muttersprache.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Ecological Genetics
  • Mon 10:15-12:00 (ML F 36)
2 h weekly

Offered In

  • Environmental Sciences Bachelor (Students can choose between one Bachelor thesis of 10KP or two Bachelor theses of 5KP each. In principle, all professors and lecturers involved in the teaching of the Environmental Sciences degree programme are entitled to supervise a Bachelor's thesis (BA). BA in the area of social sciences and humanities can only be supervised by lecturers who teach in this area. The same applies to BA in the field of natural sciences and technology. If the thesis is supervised by a person who does not teach in the Environmental Sciences degree programme or who does not have ETH lecturer status, then the student has to fill in the "Form for supervisors of a Bachelor thesis who do not teach in the Environmental Sciences degree programme" Link)
    • Specialization in an Environmental System
      • Environmental Biology (The following courses are highly recommended as preparation for the Specialization in Environmental Biology: 227-0399-10L Physiology and Anatomy for Biomedical Engineers I (Autumn semester) 551-0435-00L Systematische Biologie: Zoologie (Spring semester) 701-0360-00L Systematische Biologie: Pflanzen (Spring semester) 227-0398-10L Physiology and Anatomy for Biomedical Engineers II (Spring semester) These courses should be successfully completed during the second year.)