This course covers principles and major concepts in genetics. In addition to the principles of Mendelian segregation and heredity, we will focus on topics of particular relevance to the study of evolution, ecology and phylogenetics, including population genetics, gene mapping, sequence diversification and quantitative genetics. In the second half of the course we illustrate the practical applications of population genetics to human forensic DNA analysis and conservation biology. In the major practical component of the course, students will gain some hands on experience in human forensic DNA profiling and statistical analysis. This course is intended to be broadly relevant to all students with an interest in genetics, especially population and ecological genetics, and is also a prerequisite for Advances in Human Genetics (BIOL2152), Population Genetics (BIOL3151) and Advanced Genetics and Bioinformatics (BIOL3157).

Honours pathway option (HPO)

Entry to this option will be subject to the approval of the course convener and the options available may vary from year to year. A typical option is for one practical report worth 20 per cent to be replaced by an expanded report on the human forensics component of the course. The prerequisite for this option is a mark of at least 80 in BIOL1003 or BIOL1004 and agreement of the course coordinator.

We propose a final exam (50%), and three practical reports (50%)

BIOL1003. BIOL1004 is recommended.

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