Conservation and the genetics of populations
Summary
Loss of biological diversity is often caused by human activities that affect ecology of species, such as habitat change, exploitation and spread of alien species.
The course is aimed at those who want to learn how to use population genetic methods to preserve biodiversity at population, species and ecosystem level
About
This course
provides a background on how population genetic methods can be used in
conservation of biological diversity on different levels, i.e. population,
species and ecosystems. The usefulness of genetic tools and concepts in
conservation, as well as ecology, evolution and other fields of biology, is
continually expanding as new molecular technologies are developed at a high
rate. This course deals with how these methods can be applied in research and
management of natural resources.
The course deals
with the following parts:
- Importance of
biodiversity at population, species and ecosystem level - Threats to,
and protection of, biodiversity - Genetics and
conservation biology - Population genetic concepts and methods
- Modern DNA technology and bioinformatics
- Current issues
in conservation biology such as: management and restoration of treasured and
cultivated species, identification and monitoring, red listing, inbreeding and
demographics, invasive species, climate change.
Prerequisites and selection
Entry requirements
One of the following options:
1) Approved basic courses BIO900, Cell Biology 15 credits (ECTS), BIO905, Molecular Genetics, 15hp, BIO910, Biological Form and Function, 15hp, BIO915, Ecology and Evolution, 15hp, and BIO920 Biodiversity and Systematics. At least 60 of the 75 credits must be passed.
2) Approved ES1201, Environmental Sciences: Natural Science, 15 credits, ES1300, Natural Resources Management, 15 hp, ES1305, Pollutants effects and dispersal on Biological Systems, 15 credits, BIO920, and Biodiversity and Systematics, 15 hp, and have read and approved at least one of the following four courses: BIO900, Cell Biology, 15 credits, BIO905, Molecular Genetics, 15 hp, BIO910, Biological Form and Function, 15 hp and BIO915, Ecology and Evolution 15 credits. At least 60 of the 75 credits must be passed
3) Approved courses (MAR101-112+NTH001) within the first and second year of the Bachelor program in Marine science. At least 90 of the 120 credits must be passed.
In addition to this, for all three alternatives, you need at least one approved advanced level course in biology, 15 credits, in a relevant subject. English 6/B or equivalent is also required.
Selection
Selection is based upon the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 165 credits.
Facilities
Teaching is conducted in the Natrium building, on Medicinareberget in Gothenburg (Medicinaregatan 7B).
Recommended study route
The course consists of lectures, literature seminars, computer exercises and project work, where literature seminars, computer exercises and project work are compulsory elements. Project work is an essential part of the course.
