BENA2024 Population genetics (4 cr)

Open the course unit brochure on Sisu
Study level:
Intermediate studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English, Finnish
Responsible organisation:
Department of Biological and Environmental Science
Curriculum periods:
2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024

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Genetic variation within populations

Description

  • lectures: 10 lectures (á 2 h); during lectures students will complete simulation tasks to support their learning 
  • homework: calculations and practice problems to support learning
  • practical work: simple data analysis using Excel (4-8 h / per student) + self-evaluation
  • journal club: preferably in pairs, students read a recent scientific article and reflect on their learning
  • exam: 2-3 essay questions + 2-3 calculation/interpretation problems 

Learning outcomes

After completing this course, the student should be able to…..

  • understand the basic concepts of population genetics, including genetic variation, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and the effects and interactions of different evolutionary factors (inbreeding, selection, mutation, genetic drift and migration) on genetic variation in populations.
  • understand the linkage between the above-mentioned factors and adaptation and speciation occurring in wild populations.
  • apply the gained understanding for interpretation of recent scientific results.
  • simulate the effects of different evolutionary factors on population allele frequencies using a simple computer program.
  • apply their knowledge to solve problems linked with population genetics.
  • perform a small-scale population genetics data analysis.

Additional information

teaching is in English

Description of prerequisites

BENA2004 or a good background in genetics

Study materials

slides and other open access texts available in the Moodle platform

Completion methods

Method 1

Description:
Students are expected to participate in all teaching tasks: lectures, calculations, practical assignment, reading scientific article and self-reflection, exam
Evaluation criteria:
calculations 5%, practical work & assignment 10%, reading scientific article and self-reflection 10%, exam 75% of the total grade
Time of teaching:
Period 3
Select all marked parts

Method 2

Description:
Exam only, on course exam day or "Rästitentti" day
Evaluation criteria:
Exam grade is based on the percentage of points earned. Fail (0): < 50 % of total points; Sufficient (1): ≥ 50 % of total points; Satisfactory (2): > 60 % of total points; Good (3): > 70 % of total points; Very Good (4): > 80 % of total points; Excellent (5): > 90 % of total points
Select all marked parts
Parts of the completion methods
x

Participation in teaching (4 cr)

Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
• calculations 5%, practical work & assignment 10%, reading scientific article and self-reflection 10%, exam 75% of the total grade
Language:
English, Finnish
Study methods:
Students are expected to participate in all teaching tasks: lectures, calculations, practical assignment, reading scientific article and self-reflection, exam

    Teaching

    x

    Independent study (4 cr)

    Type:
    Independent study
    Grading scale:
    0-5
    Evaluation criteria:
    Fail (0): < 50 % of total points; Sufficient (1): ≥ 50 % of total points; Satisfactory (2): > 60 % of total points; Good (3): > 70 % of total points; Very Good (4): > 80 % of total points; Excellent (5): > 90 % of total points
    Language:
    English, Finnish
    Study methods:

    Exam, during the course exam dates, or during "rästitentti"

    Teaching