Population Genetics

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

• 15. Life on land

Objectives

The differences that are observed in the individuals of the same species are due, in large part, to genetic differences; that is to say, to the presence of different variants (polymorphisms) in the genome. Mutations that occur during DNA replication can give rise to new viable alleles and are therefore the raw material of biological diversity. However, not all mutations end up being part of the genetic heritage of a species. Why not? Population genetics studies how the proportion of different alleles (allelic frequencies) of individuals in a population changes over time and space. In this subject we analyze the different mechanisms of evolutionary change that cause these changes in allelic frequencies over time, which is the basis of evolution. Natural selection is one such phenomenon, but it is not the only one. The role of chance (genetic drift) and other forces of change such as mutation or migration must also be taken into account.

Learning outcomes

• RA1. Analyze the genetic structure of populations and subpopulations.
• LO2. Learn the evolutionary mechanisms involved in changing the genetic structure of a population.
• LO3. Solve problems of evolution and molecular phylogeny.

Skills

Specific skills

• Apply the tools of mathematics, statistics, computer science, and the principles of physics and chemistry in the study of biological systems.
• Understand the mechanisms of evolution, know the evidence and assess the implications of the evolutionary process on historical and current biological diversity.

Basic skills

• Students have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in a field of study that builds on general secondary education with the support of advanced textbooks and knowledge of the latest advances in this field of study.

Content

Genetic variation

1. Genetic variation
2. Estimation of genetic variation
3. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
4. Ligament imbalance
5. Consanguinity

Mechanisms of evolutionary change

6. natural selection
7. Genetic drift
8. mutation
9. migration

Molecular genetics of populations

10. Molecular evolution

Evaluation

• Throughout the course there are two exams that contain theory and problems: E1 and E2.
• 80% of the grade for the subject is the average of E1 and E2, provided that in both exams the grade is equal to or higher than 4.
• There is a mandatory presentation of an article on population genetics that counts for 10% of the final grade.
• Class participation counts for 10% of the final grade.
• The subject can only be approved if the average of the two exams is equal to or higher than 5 and if the mandatory presentation has been made.
• The subject is considered approved with an average of 5.
• If the subject is suspended, one of the two exams (E1 or E2) can be repeated in the make-up exam. The recovery grade is averaged with the grade of the exam that has not been repeated, as long as the grade in both exams is equal to or higher than 4.
• The oral presentation cannot be repeated.

Methodology

Theory classes, problem solving, population genetics article reviews, and case studies.

Bibliography

Bibliography

• Allendorf, F.W., Luikart, G., and Aitken, S. N. (2013). Conservation and the genetics of populations (2 ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
• Frankham, R., Ballou, J.D., Briscoe, D.A. (2010). Introduction to Conservation Genetics (2 ed.). Cambridge University Press.
• Freeland, J.R., Kirk, H., Petersen, S. (2011). Molecular Ecology. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary-wiley-com.biblioremot.uvic.cat/doi/book/10.1002/9780470979365
• Hamilton, M.B. (2009). Population genetics. Wiley-Blackwell.

Reading

Teachers will provide complementary bibliography and compulsory reading throughout the course via the Virtual Campus.