Students successfully completing this course will have learned
how population and quantitative genetics can be used to analyze
the evolution of ecologically important traits, i.e., those
characters important for adaptation of an organism to the 
environment. 

Successful students will review basic population genetic concepts
such as mutation, selection, gene flow, drift and mating system. 

Successful students will understand quantitative genetics
concepts as they apply to evolutionary and ecological studies,
including the measurement of additive genetic variance. 

Successful students will know how QTL genome scans are performed
and how they contribute to the understanding of the genetic basis
of traits of ecological importance. 

Students successfully completing this course will understand how
the genetic basis of complex traits is determined.

Successful students will understand how genetic correlations can
speed or hinder evolution of ecologically important traits.

Students will learn how organisms can adapt to ecological
conditions by plasticity and understand the costs of the
evolution of plasticity.

Students will be able to apply basic science knowledge to applied
ecological genetics situations, such as transgene escape, weedy
and invasive species and the evolution of resistance, including
costs of resistance.

Students will complete problem sets and be evaluated by exams and
a research paper. Students will read papers from the primary
scientific literature and be prepared to present the methods and
conclusions of those papers orally to the class.

1. Population genetics:  sources and measurement of genetic    
variation
2. Population genetics:  changes in allele frequencies
3. Quantitative genetics:  additive genetic variation
4. QTL mapping for ecological genetics
5. Phenotypic plasticity and genotype x environment interactions
6. Genetic correlations
7. Natural selection on phenotypes
8. Transgene escape
9. Evolution of resistance

This course syllabus is a general plan for the course; deviations
announced to 
the class by the instructor may be necessary.

Students in this course are encouraged to work collaboratively
and cooperatively in small groups, and it is acceptable to turn
in homework assignments based on group work.  Students should
play equivalent roles in these study groups and to inform the
instructor about the composition of these study groups.  Students
will be expected to take tests as individuals without help from
other persons.  Students will be expected to abide by the UGA
honor code in all aspects of this course.  We encourage students
to talk to other faculty and other students to gain an
understanding of the concepts of ecological genetics.  Any
infringements of the honor code that come to the instructor's
attention will be remanded to Academic Affairs for disciplinary
action.