UGA Bulletin

Course Description

This course will introduce students to conservation genetics theory, methods used to sample and analyze genetic diversity, and approaches for integrating genetic information to support conservation 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

Semester Course Offered

Offered fall

Grading System

A - F (Traditional)

Student learning Outcomes

Students will acquire a basic understanding of conservation genetic concepts, methods, and applications in natural resources management.
Students will understand how to apply population genetic theory and molecular methods to assess genetic diversity, structure, and connectivity.
Students will understand the relationships between genetic diversity, inbreeding, reproductive fitness, and evolutionary potential.
Students will understand how anthropogenic land use change and habitat fragmentation are reducing population sizes, leading to population fragmentation, genetic bottlenecks, and reducing genetic diversity and evolutionary potential.
Students will understand the concept of management units and how to apply conservation genetic management approaches for wild populations, captive populations, and reintroduction strategies.
Students will acquire a basic knowledge of the molecular tools used for resolving taxonomic uncertainties, understanding species biology, plant and wildlife forensics, and natural resource management.
Students will gain experience reading and interpreting primary literature and discussing contemporary topics with peers.
Through class debates and writing assignments, students will practice evaluating genetic evidence and applying conservation genetic concepts to advocate for or against conservation management actions.
Class debates and written assignments will challenge students to consider the viewpoints of diverse stakeholders involved in conservation management. Students will practice developing arguments based on quantitative genetic data and conservation genetic theory to support sound management decisions, while communicating effectively and respectfully with stakeholders expressing differing viewpoints.

Topical Outline

1. Introduction
2. Genetic Diversity
3. Defining Taxonomic Groups and Conservation Management Units
4. Dispersal and Fragmentation
5. Landscape Genetics
6. Genetic Effects of Small Population Size
7. Captive Breeding and Translocation
8. MHC Diversity and Disease
9. Marine Turtle Case Studies
10. Hybridization and Introgression
11. Plant Conservation Genetics
12. Non-Invasive Sampling
13. Environmental DNA (eDNA)
14. Wildlife Forensics
15. Conservation Genetics and Genomics into the Future

Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes

Analytical Thinking

The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.

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