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Ecology and Evolution
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:05:44
Abstract
The module 'Ecology and Evolution' consist of two lectures that provide an introduction to the fields of population biology, population and quantitative genetics.
Objective
The aim of the course is to introduce students to the fields of population biology, population and quantitative genetics.
Content
Population genetics - Phenotypic and Genetic Variation; Random Mating Populations ; Sources of Variation; Natural Selection; Inbreeding; Random Genetic Drift; Hierarchical population structure; Molecular Population Genetics. 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 Populations: Population dynamics, Epidemiological models, Evolution of virulence, statistics and experimental design, population structure, population size, evolutionary game theory, cooperation and conflict, coevolution, evolution of sex, evolutionary transitions.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Genetics:handoutsPopulations:Script
Literature
Genetics: Hartl, D.L. and Clark, A.G. 1997. Principles of Population Genetics. 3rd ed. Sinauer Associates, Inc. Sunderland, Massachussetts. Falconer, D.S., and T.F.C. Mackay. 1996. Introduction to Quantitative Genetics. 4th ed. Prentice Hall, Harlow, U.K.
General Information
- Language
- English (lecture), German (lecture)
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 180 minutes
- Aids
- Taschenrechner (pocket calculator).
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Ecology and evolution: Genetics |
|
2 h weekly |
| lecture | Ecology and evolution: Populations |
|
2 h weekly |