WIS 3553
Introduction to Conservation Genetics
INSTRUCTOR: Dr James Austin
322 Newins-Ziegler Hall
Phone: 846-0646
e-mail: austinj@ufl.edu
Office hours by appointment.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Statistics I (STA 2023), one of the introductory ecology courses (PCB 3034C, PCB 4044C, PCB 3601C, or FOR 3153C).
*Note: This course is a requirement for WIS students and is also a prerequisite for WIS 4554.
Textbooks:
Frankham et al. 2010. Introduction to Conservation Genetics, 2nd Edition, Cambridge Univ. Press
Lecture: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Period 5 (11:45-12:35) Newins-Ziegler 112. A computer lab is also required (Monday Period 6)
This course is designed for future wildlife professional and conservation biologists as an introduction to the types of genetic polymorphisms found in nature. The course is divided into two main parts:
Part 1: Here students will be introduced to the important basics of how genetic information is organized, how and what is measured by population geneticists, and the theoretical underpinnings that make genetic methods work. The evolutionary (types of selection, mutation) and demographic (migration, mating systems) forces shape genetic polymorphisms will also be explored in detail.
Part 2: This section builds off from (and is heavily reliant upon) the lessons learned in Part 1. Here, we apply the theoretical basics of population genetics to real-world issues in wildlife conservation. For example, students will be exploring the following topics:
- What are the potential effects of inbreeding on population demographics?
- What is the effect of habitat loss and fragmentation on populations?
- The important role of genetic management in conservation breeding and ex situ conservation.
- How do we categorize species?
- What is the appropriate geographic scale for management?
At the end of the course students will be able to systematically apply population genetic principles to problems in conservation and management, and communicate this information effectively.
