Population Genetics

Objectives

1. To become familiar with the main classes of molecular markers, particularly DNA-based markers;

2. To identify and analyze fundamental mechanisms in PG;

3. To understand the interactions of the mechanisms referred in b), particularly the way how they are associated with diversity within and between populations and how they affect genetic structure;

4. To adequately estimate PG parameters and to select and apply, using specific software, the appropriate tests with the aim of describing genetic diversity in populations as well as patterns of differentiation and genetic structure;

5. To follow laboratory protocols used in the analysis of molecular markers, critically analyzing the various steps involved;

6. To be able to access and mobilize information contained in PG databases;

7. To identify the main stages of a PG study which uses markers, from the stage of sampling, sample processing, molecular methodology, construction of the data matrix, analysis and interpretation.

Program

1. Introduction: Core concepts in genetics
2. Genetic variation in natural populations
3. Fundamentals of population genetics: the Hardy-Weinberg principle
4. Changes in allelic/genotypic frequencies: evolutionary factors
4.1. Genetic drift in time and space
4.2. Non-random crosses
4.3. Natural selection
4.4. Migration
4.5. Mutation
5. Genetic structure of the populations
5.1. F statistics and levels of population subdivision
5.2. Measures of genetic distance
5.3. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA)
5.4. Estimation of gene flow between populations
6. Studies in population genetics
6.1. Sampling: planning; conducting; after-sampling; the Wahlung effect
6.2. Types of population matrixes and how to obtain them.
6.3. Using online PG databases
6.4. Examples of analysis for different types of matrixes.
6.5. Examples of interpretation and presentation of results.

Teaching Methodologies

This course aims to use active learning methods, although not neglecting the importance of the sessions following a lecture format, which will address fundamental theoretical concepts. The competencies and skills will be developed / strengthened by students using more practical activities. Within these practical activities, lab classes as well as classes of computational analysis will be performed.

Bibliography

Avise, J. C., 2004. Molecular Markers, Natural History, and Evolution, Second Edition. Sinauer Associates, Sunderland, Massachusetts

Beebee T. J. C. & G. Rowe, 2004. An Introduction to Molecular Ecology. Oxford University Press, Oxford, New York.

Caujapé-Castells, J., 2006. Brújula Para Botánicos Desorientados en la Genética de Poblaciones. Exegen ediciones, Canárias

Gillespie, J. H., 2010. Population Genetics: A Concise Guide, 2nd Ed.The John Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland

Griffiths, A. J. et al, 2012. Introduction to Genetic Analysis, 10th ed. W. H.Freeeman, New York Hamilton, M., 2009. Population Genetics. Wiley-Blackwell, West Sussex

Hartl, D. L., 2000. A Primer of Population Genetics, 3rd Ed. Sinauer Associates, Massachusetts Hartl, D. L. & A. G. Clark, 2007. Principles of Population Genetics, 4th Edition. Sinauer Associates, Sutherland Massachusetts

Hedrick, P., 2011. Genetics of Populations, 4th Edition, Jones & Bartlett Publishers International, London.