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Population Genetics (341-0-1)

Instructors

Jeremy S Davis

Meeting Info

Technological Institute L221: Mon, Wed, Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

Change in the genetic composition of populations over time is the basis of evolution. The field of population genetics describes evolutionary dynamics through the lens of allelic change in a broad set of contexts. This course will be more focused on the mathematical expectations behind evolutionary theory and analyzing real data to evaluate support for a variety of predictions these models generate.

Topics include: natural selection, genetic drift, inbreeding, mutation, and geographic structure of populations, based on single-locus models, molecular sequences, and quantitative traits. These will be explored in greater detail than 200-level discussion of such topics, and with more mathematical rigor.

Registration Requirements

Prerequisite: Students must have completed BIOL_SCI 202-0, BIOL_SCI 203-0, and a course in statistics to register for this course.

Teaching Method

Three lectures per week

Evaluation Method

Four problem sets (approximately every other week), and two exams.

Class Materials (Required)

None.

We will use a free textbook resource, some additional provided handouts/resources, and lectures slides and examples from the instructor.

Class Notes

No P/N

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Biology Majors until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites and registered for any required corequisites. Prerequisites: Students must have completed BIOL_SCI 203-0 or BIOL_SCI 241-0, and BIOL_SCI 337-0 or another course in statistics to register for this course.