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701-1413-00L 3 Credits BSC D-USYS
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Population and Quantitative Genetics

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Thomas Städler, Dr. Jessica Stapley
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:02:25

Abstract

This course is an introduction to the rapidly developing fields of population and quantitative genetics, emphasizing the major concepts and ideas over mathematical formalism. An overview is given of how mutation, genetic drift, gene flow, mating systems, and selection affect the genetic structure of populations. Evolutionary processes affecting quantitative and Mendelian characters are discussed.

Objective

Students are able to - describe types and sources of genetic variation. - describe fundamental concepts and methods of quantitative genetics. - use basic mathematical formalism to describe major population genetic concepts. - discuss the main topics and developments in population and quantitative genetics. - model population genetic processes using specific computer programs.

Content

Population Genetics: Types and sources of genetic variation; randomly mating populations and the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium; effects of inbreeding; natural selection; random genetic drift and effective population size; gene flow and hierarchical population structure; molecular population genetics: neutral theory of molecular evolution and basics of coalescent theory. Quantitative Genetics: Continuous variation; measurement of quant. characters; genes, environments and their interactions; measuring their influence; response to selection; inbreeding and crossbreeding, effects on fitness; Fisher's fundamental theorem.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Handouts

Literature

Hamilton, M.B. 2009. Population Genetics. Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester, U.K.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 90 minutes
Aids
Taschenrechner (pocket calculator); will be provided by the department (no private calculators)
Prüfungsfragen sowohl in Deutsch als auch in Englisch

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Population and Quantitative Genetics
  • Mon 14:15-16:00 (HG D 7.2)
2 h weekly

Offered In

  • Environmental Sciences Bachelor
    • 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) 551-0448-00L 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.)