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701-2413-00L 6 Credits BSC , MSC D-HEST , D-BIOL

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Evolutionary Genetics

Lecturers: Prof. Dr. Alex Widmer, Dr. Thomas Städler, Dr. Tadeas Jan Priklopil

Examiners: Prof. Dr. Alex Widmer, Dr. Thomas Städler, Simone Fior, Dr. Tadeas Jan Priklopil

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:41

Abstract

The concept course 'Evolutionary Genetics' consists of two lectures that jointly provide an introduction to the fields of population and quantitative genetics (emphasis on basic concepts) and ecological genetics (more emphasis on evolutionary and ecological processes of adaptation and speciation).

Objective

The aim of the course is to provide students with a solid introduction to the fields of population genetics, quantitative genetics, and ecological genetics. The concepts and research methods developed in these fields have undergone profound transformations; they are of fundamental importance in our understanding of evolutionary processes, both past and present. Students should gain an appreciation for the concepts, methods and explanatory power of evolutionary genetics.

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. Ecological Genetics - Concepts and methods for the study of genetic variation and its role in adaptation, reproductive isolation, hybridization and speciation

Resources

Lecture Notes

Handouts

Literature

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

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 180 minutes
Aids: Benutzung eines zweisprachigen Lexikons möglich.Use of a bilingual dictionary possible.
Digital: The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.

Digitale schriftliche Prüfung unter Benutzung gestellter Computer mit eingebauter Rechner-Funktion.Digital written exam using provided computers with built-in calculator function.Prüfungsfragen sowohl in Deutsch als auch in Englisch.Exam questions will be provided in German and English.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Population and Quantitative Genetics	Mon 14:15-16:00 (HG D 7.2)	2 h weekly
lecture	Ecological Genetics Does not take place this semester.	No time listed	2 h weekly