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701-1413-00L 3 Credits MSC D-USYS , D-BIOL
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Ecology and Evolution: Genetics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Bruce McDonald, Dr. Thomas Städler
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:23:43

Abstract

Principles of population genetics, including an overview of how mutation, genetic drift, gene flow, mating systems, and selection affect the genetic structure of populations. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium as a null hypothesis. Principles of quantitative genetics; Evolutionary processes affecting quantitative and Mendelian characters.

Objective

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the fields of population and quantitative genetics

Content

Populationsgenetik: Phenotypic and Genetic Variation; Random Mating Populations ; Sources of Variation; Natural Selection; Inbreeding; Random Genetic Drift; Hierarchical population structure; Molecular Population Genetics. Quantitative Genetik: 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

Hedrick, P.W. 2005. Genetics of Populations, Third Edition. Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Boston, Massachusetts. Falconer, D.S., and T.F.C. Mackay. 1996. Introduction to Quantitative Genetics. 4th ed. Prentice Hall, Harlow, U.K.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 90 minutes
Aids
Taschenrechner (pocket calculator).

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Ecology and evolution: Genetics
  • Tue 08:15-10:00 (CHN F 46)
2 h weekly

Offered In