Genetics and Evolution

The course covers different aspects of evolutionary genetics including population genetics (Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, Fst, Inbreeding, linkage disequilibrium), evolutionary quantitative genetics (Lande equation, phenotypic plasticity, multivariate evolution), phylogenetic analyses (building and using phylogenetic tree), adaptation (optimality models, comparative analyses, life history evolution), genetics of speciation (DMB incompatibility, outbreeding depression, reinforcement). Simple statistical models used in evolutionary biology are also presented.

During the course, emphasis is placed on issues related to conservation biology and biodiversity, such as genetic and evolutionary rescue.

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• understand and explain fundamental concepts and terminology in the field of evolutionary genetics.
• have a good understanding of central concepts in population and quantitative genetics.
• understand the basic scientific methods, including data analysis, used in population genetics and quantitative genetics and carry out simple analyses using empirical data.
• interpret results from studies in population and quantitative genetics.
• reflect on the outcome of studies in evolutionary biology on a general level and evaluate their biological significance, particularly in the context of conservation biology.

Lectures, discussions (ca. 35 hours), exercises (ca. 18 hours). During the exercises students analyse data and interpret results from studies in evolution. The analytical part is performed using R. For the obligatory semester assignment, groups of ca. 5 students analyse data from existing research projects and present orally the research question, the method used, the results, and their interpretation.