Conservation genetics

Timetable

15 lectures x 2 hours (Wednesdays 15:30-17:00 (5x) and Wednesdays 17:45-19:15 (10x))

5 seminars x 2 hours (Thursdays 11:30 - 13:00)

Module aim (aims)

• Explaining the significance of genetics in nature conservation
• Explaining theory of population and evolutionary genetics applicable for nature conservation
• Presenting applications of genetic technologies in conservation efforts
• Discussing publications illustrating examples of conservation genetic studies

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

Basics in genetics and evolutionary biology 

Syllabus

Lecture 1: Introduction to conservation genetics – history, aims, conservation biology and role of new technologies in nature conservation
Lecture 2: Genetic variation in natural populations - what does it mean and how to measure it?
Lecture 3: Mechanisms generating and shaping genetic variation in populations – overview
Lecture 4: Genetics consequences of small population size – genetic drift, inbreeding depression and extinction risk
Lecture 5: Genetics consequences of population fragmentation and demography inference
Lecture 6: Genetics of invasive species and genetic consequences of hybridization
Lecture 7: Genetics of urbanization and genetic basis of adaptation
Lecture 8: Genetics and genomics of endangered species – aims and challenges

Lecture 9: Genetics of population reintroduction and units of conservation

Lecture 10: Sequencing technologies in species monitoring (barcoding, eDNA, individuals recognition) and molecular tools for saving species in the wild – current usage and future directions

Seminar 1: Discussing examples of scientific articles in the field of conservation genetics
Seminars 2-4: Discussing examples of scientific articles in the field of conservation genetic and basic software applicable in conservation genetics
Seminar 5: Open discussion about potential usage of genetic methods in defined by students issues concerning nature conservation

Reading list

Frankham R, et al.: Introduction to conservation genetics, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2010
Allendorf G. and Luikart G: Conservation and the genetics of populations, Blakcwell publishing, 2007