PBR-31803 Genetics (DL)

Course

Credits 3.00

Language of instruction:

English

Continuation courses:

The DL-MSc-specializations have a fixed schedule.

Contents:

Note: This course has a maximum number of participants. The deadline for registration is one week earlier than usual. See Academic Year.(http://www.wageningenur.nl/en/Education-Programmes/Current-Students/Agenda-Calendar-Academic-Year.htm) -> Registration for Courses.
Note: The period mentioned below is the period in which this course starts. For the exact academic weeks see the courseplanning on www.wur.eu/schedule.

This course gives an overview of the role of genetics in life sciences and the structural basis of genetics. Following on this basis a series of more advanced topics is addressed, including extensions and exceptions to single locus Mendelian inheritance, transposable elements and genome size, population genetics and evolution, complex traits, genetic diversity, biosystematics, phylogenetics, and genome evolution.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- analyse questions and problems on all aspects of Mendelian genetics, including deviations from standard segregation ratios;
- apply quantitative and population genetics concepts to infer the effects of selection, non-random mating, mutation, genetic drift on forward genetic screens;
- describe the relation between genes, chromosomes and DNA and the concept of genome structure;
- understand evolutionary concepts explaining the origin of biological complexity, and processes shaping the genome, such as horizontal gene transfer, genome duplications, hybridisations, transposition;
- apply quantitative and biosystematic approaches to evaluate genetic structure and diversity of populations, as well as phylogenetic analyses.

Activities:

Topics will be introduced and taught using knowledge clips (DKC). Students will read the textbook supplemented with scientific articles (IS).
In depth study of the topic is facilitated using Distance Tutorial's (DT) using Feedbackfruits and Peer to peer on line discussion.

Examination:

The exam is an online remotely proctored exam, where the student should provide a suitable computer and room.

Literature:

Textbook Griffiths, An Introduction to Genetic Analysis 11th edition, and scientific papers.