BT3360:03
Topics in Conservation Genetics
| Townsville | HECS Band 2 |
22 hours lectures, 10 hours tutorials, 30 hours practicals and workshops. Semester 1.
Staff: Dr L Bielig.
Theoretical and applied aspects of the role of genetics in understanding and managing biodiversity. Case studies will demonstrate how patterns of genetic variation within and among populations may help identify populations in need of conservation. Library research and practical work are flexible, depending on the particular interest of the student. The independent research project involves the collection and documentation of genetic resources which the student considers worthy of conservation.
Learning Objectives:
- to understand how genetic techniques are used to investigate levels of genetic diversity in populations and to examine the conservation and management implications of such data;
- to consider the positive and negative impacts of hybridisation, as well as the significance of mating systems and patterns of gene flow in conserving vulnerable species;
- to appreciate how knowledge of the genetic structure of species may provide insights into their phylogenetic history and the conservation implications of this knowledge;
- to understand the basic principles of the collection, evaluation, management and conservation of genetic diversity.
Assessment by examinations (50%); practical research project (20%); on-course assessment (30%).