B2072 - Anthropological Genetics

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide the innovative theoretical and methodological bases for the understanding of microevolutionary dynamics and processes in order to reconstruct the demographic and adaptive history of human populations, in particular in the Mediterranean area. The student, at the end of the course, knows the fundamental concepts on the evolution and diffusion of human populations, is able to understand and critically evaluate the biological-cultural and adaptive aspects of human biodiversity, the contribution of molecular markers to this knowledge, the migration and mixing processes that have led to the distribution of current genetic-molecular variability.

Course contents

The course focuses on the study of the genetic history of human populations, in particular of the Mediterranean area, from a genetic point of view and according to an integrated bio-cultural approach, in order to understand the demographic dynamics and adaptive processes that have characterized their history.

In particular, the course program will cover:

1. Human biodiversity, genetics and genomics of human populations.

Definitions of biological anthropology and genetic anthropology. Basic concepts of genetics and population genetics. Genotype and phenotype. Evolution of Homo sapiens. History of the human genome. Populations, ethnic groups and reproductive barriers. Autosomal and uniparental genetic markers (Y chromosome and mtDNA). Analysis of human variability. Genetic (mutation, recombination, genetic drift, gene flow, natural selection) and environmental factors of biological variability in human populations. Genetic maps: history and geography of human genes. Methods of analysis and measurements of the genetic diversity of human populations. Concept of race and biogeographical ancestrality.

2. Biodemographic and adaptive dynamics of human populations.

The contribution of ancient DNA to the study of the peopling of Eurasia and the Mediterranean area. Biodemographic dynamics from the past to the present. Isolation, migrations and mixing. Phylogenetic analysis and genetic reconstruction of the history of human population and migration dynamics. Human adaptation and environmental pressures.

Readings/Bibliography

Power point presentations provided by the teacher.

Luciano Terrenato-Populations and genetic diversity.  Ed. Il Mulino Destro

Bisol Giovanni; Capocasa Marco - How DNA helps us understand who we are. Edizioni Il Mio Libraio

Bibliography provided by the teacher

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures related to the topics of the program that may be supplemented by seminar activities on specific topics. Students will be encouraged to take an active part in the lessons through interventions, questions, requests for clarification and/or in-depth analysis.

During the course there will be the use of computer projections that will be distributed to students at the end of the lessons.

Assessment methods

The assessment consists of an oral test, which can be taken starting from the first available session on the calendar after the end of the lessons, concerning the topics indicated in the course program. The student, by attending the exam, will be able to propose to deal with a topic that he will have particularly deepened, which will obviously be followed by the verification of the preparation on other topics in the program.

Non-attending students. The course program is the same for both attending and non-attending students. Attendance of the lessons is strongly recommended for the achievement of a good result, however, students who for valid reasons cannot attend are invited to contact the teacher, during office hours, for the suggestion of the necessary supplementary texts.

As far as learning verification is concerned, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Slides and powerpoint presentations. Seminar activities on specific topics and case studies held by specialists.

Students who require compensatory tools due to disabilities or specific learning disabilities (SLDs) may communicate their needs to the instructor so they can be directed to the appropriate advisors and agree on the most appropriate arrangements.

Office hours

See the website of Donata Luiselli