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Presentation
Presentation
The curricular unit of Population Genetics aims to explore how evolutionary processes shape genetic diversity within populations, which is crucial for species adaptation and survival. To achieve this, the curricular unit explores the variation patterns in crossing models, whether for a single locus or multiple loci, illustrating the effects of mutations, migrations, natural selection, and genetic drift. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of quantitative genetics and coalescence theory in reconstructing phylogenies and analyzing molecular markers used to detect Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs).The subjects covered in this curricular unit has practical applications, such as resource management and defining protected areas. It combines theoretical and practical components, relying on molecular biology data and mathematical models to test concrete hypotheses.
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Class from course
Class from course
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Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Bachelor | Semestral | 4.5
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Year | Nature | Language
Year | Nature | Language
2 | Optional | Português
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Code
Code
ULHT101-7718
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Prerequisites and corequisites
Prerequisites and corequisites
Not applicable
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Professional Internship
Professional Internship
Não
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Syllabus
Syllabus
1. Introduction to population genetics: Population genetics and allelic frequency; Main contributions to allelic frequency alteration; Applications of the study of population genetics; Techniques for studying genetic variation. 2. Microevolution: Hardy-Weinberg Principle; Theory of genetic drift; Gene flow and population divisions; Mutations; Natural selection. 3. Multiple genes and quantitative genetics: Evolution at 2 loci; Quantitative genetics.
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Objectives
Objectives
This unit enables students to understand the genetic composition of a population and the forces that change that composition. By the end of the semester, students should be able to understand how and why the frequencies of alleles and genotypes change over time within and between populations. Students should be able to: Appreciate that there is extensive genetic variation in most natural populations; Discuss how Hardy-Weinberg principle shows the relationship between allelic and genotypic frequencies; State how inbreeding increases the frequency of homozygotes; Explain that mutation is the original source of genetic variation; Enumerate that genetic drift may result in loss of genetic variation; Explain that gene flow can introduce new alleles into a population; Discuss the effect of selective forces on evolutionary changes; Apply the basic concepts of evolutionary quantitative genetics.
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Teaching methodologies and assessment
Teaching methodologies and assessment
To enrich the learning experience, an innovative approach will combine theoretical and practical classes. The instructor will actively engage students by posing essential questions and encouraging debate through case studies. Peer interaction will be crucial for consolidating knowledge. The theoretical classes will provide foundational concepts, while practical sessions will allow students to apply these principles in real-world scenarios. During practical (informatics) classes, students will have access to computer-based simulation tools. These tools will enable exploration of hypothetical scenarios, analyzing how factors like natural selection, genetic drift, and migration impact allele and genotype frequencies. In practical (laboratory), students can comprehend evolutionary mechanisms through experiments using microorganisms, a valuable model due to their life cycle characteristics.
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References
References
Hartl, D.L. 2020. A Primer of Population Genetics and Genomics. 4th edition. Oxford University Press; Cutter A.D. 2019. A Primer of Molecular Population Genetics. 1st Edition. Oxford University Press; Allendorf FW; LuikartG. 2007. Conservation and the Genetics of populations. 1st edition, Blackwell Publishing; Hartl, D.L., Clark, A.G. 1997. Principles of populationgenetics. 3 Ed. SinauerAssociates Inc; Maynard-Smith, J. 2002. Evolutionary genetics. 2 Ed. Oxford University Press;
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Office Hours
Office Hours
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Mobility
Mobility
No
