At the end of this course, the students; 1) Describe genetic and phenotypic diversity in the populations. 2) Learn mechanisms of evolutionary change such as natural selection, genetic drift, mutation and migration. 3) Learn effective population size, and related concepts of inbreeding depression, demography, metapopulation, fragmentation of populations, and extinction. 4) Learn the concepts of exploited populations, invasive species and climate change. 5) Learn how to identify the concepts indicated in above 1-4 using molecular techniques, statistical analysis and computer programs. 6) Learn how data obtained from computer programs is used to identify the conservation unit, and to apply conservation breeding and restoration. 7) Make genetic identification and monitoring in the natural populations.
MODE OF DELIVERY
Face to face
PRE-REQUISITES OF THE COURSE
No
RECOMMENDED OPTIONAL PROGRAMME COMPONENT
Genetics
COURSE DEFINITION
In this course, detection of genetic and phenotypic variation in natural population and mechanims of evolutionary change is covered. And how this genetic variation can be used to conserve threatened species and to manage ecologically and commercially important species is analyzed. By means of this content, this course includes applications of new molecular techniques, genetic principles, statistical methods and computer programs in the conservation of biological diversity such as plants, animals, microbes and captive populations.
COURSE CONTENTS
WEEK
TOPICS
1st Week
The Genetic and Phenotypic Diversity in Natural Populations
2nd Week
The Mechanisms of Evolutionary Change: Small Populatons and Genetic Drift
3rd Week
The Mechanisms of Evolutionary Change: Effective Population Size and Natural Selection
4th Week
The Mechanisms of Evolutionary Change: Population Subdivision and Mutation
5th Week
Inbreeding Depression
6th Week
Demography and Extinction
7th Week
Metapopulations and Fragmentations
8th Week
Midterm Exam
9th Week
Unit of Conservation
10th Week
Exploited Populations
11th Week
Conservation Breeding and Restoration
12th Week
Invasive Species
13th Week
Climate Change
14th Week
Genetic Identification and Monitoring
RECOMENDED OR REQUIRED READING
Conservation and the Genetics of Populations (2012) (2nd edition), Fred W. Allendorf, Gordon H. Luikart, Sally N. Aitken, Wiley-Blackwell. Introduction to Conservation Genetics (2010) (2nd edition), Frankham, R., Ballou, J.D., Briscoe, D. Cambridge University Press.
PLANNED LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Lecture,Discussion,Questions/Answers,Presentation
ASSESSMENT METHODS AND CRITERIA
Quantity
Percentage(%)
Mid-term
1
40
Presentation of Article
1
15
Total(%)
55
Contribution of In-term Studies to Overall Grade(%)
55
Contribution of Final Examination to Overall Grade(%)
45
Total(%)
100
ECTS WORKLOAD
Activities
Number
Hours
Workload
Midterm exam
1
2
2
Preparation for Quiz
Individual or group work
Preparation for Final exam
1
100
100
Course hours
14
3
42
Preparation for Midterm exam
1
90
90
Laboratory (including preparation)
Final exam
1
2
2
Homework
Presentation (including preperation)
1
65
65
Total Workload
301
Total Workload / 30
10,03
ECTS Credits of the Course
10
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION
English
WORK PLACEMENT(S)
No
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES (KLO) / MATRIX OF LEARNING OUTCOMES (LO)
