Course Description
The theory of conservation genetics, the methods to sample and analyze genetic diversity and applications for the management of natural plant and animal populations.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to read additional materials
that will include recent, peer-reviewed journal articles on the
topics covered. Examinations will include essay questions for
graduate students that will cover the assigned reading and
require integration of the additional materials with topics
covered in lectures. Graduate students will also be required to
write a review of the literature covering a topic of their
choosing as approved by the instructor. Grading for graduate
students will reflect higher standards for written communication
skills and integration of current literature with topics covered
in lectures.
Athena Title
Conservation Genetics
Undergraduate Prerequisite
[(BIOL 1107 or BIOL 1107E) and BIOL 1107L] and BIOL 1108 and BIOL 1108L and (STAT 2000 or STAT 2000E or BIOS 2010 or BIOS 2010E or FANR 2010-2010L or BUSN 3000 or BUSN 3000E or BUSN 3000H or STAT 2100H or UNIV 1108) or permission of school
Graduate Prerequisite
[(BIOL 1107 or BIOL 1107E) and BIOL 1107L] and BIOL 1108 and BIOL 1108L and (STAT 2000 or STAT 2000E or BIOS 2010 or BIOS 2010E or FANR 2010-2010L or BUSN 3000 or BUSN 3000E or BUSN 3000H or STAT 2100H or UNIV 1108) or permission of school
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will understand the concepts of conservation genetics and their applications in natural resource management. Students will gain knowledge of the theory and methods for characterizing genetic diversity as well as approaches to integrating the information into management strategies for wild and captive populations. Students will cover molecular methods for measuring genetic diversity in DNA and proteins as well as estimation of heterozygosity, polymorphism and allelic diversity from the derived data. Student learning will emphasize case studies of small populations, fragmented populations and endangered or threatened species. Case studies will also focus on issues that relate to conservation and management of renewable resources. Additional specific learning outcomes for students will include: 1. Students will have an understanding of the criteria for the classifications of endangered, vulnerable and threatened species. 2. Students will posses knowledge of methods for quantifying genetic diversity with an emphasis on molecular approaches for assessment and management of natural resources. 3. Students will understand the relationships between genetic diversity, inbreeding, reproductive fitness and evolutionary potential. 4. Students will understand the effects of population size reduction, population bottlenecks and population fragmentation on genetic diversity as well as the implications for natural resource management. 5. Students will gain the ability to define management units and understand the theory of genetic management approaches for wild populations, captive populations and for reintroduction strategies. 6. Students will posses a basic knowledge of the applications of molecular tools in resolving taxonomic uncertainties, understanding species biology, forensics and management of renewable resources.
Topical Outline
1. Introduction to Conservation Genetics 2. Genetics and Extinction 3. Characterizing Genetic Diversity 4. Evolution in Large and Small Populations 5. Conserving Genetic Diversity 6. Population Size Reduction and Loss of Genetic Diversity 7. Inbreeding and Inbreeding Depression 8. Fragmentation of Populations and Gene Flow 9. Genetics and Population Viability 10. Defining Genetic Management Units 11. Genetic Management of Wild Populations 12. Genetic Management of Captive Populations 13. Genetic Management Considerations for Reintroduction 14. Population Viability Analysis (PVA), Endangerment and Extinction 15. Molecular Genetics for Forensics and the Study of Species Biology
Syllabus