66773 - Conservation Genetics

Learning outcomes

At the end  of the course ,  the student should have the theoretical  knowledge  and methods  of analysis  of  genetic variability  within  and between  populations  of species targeted to  conservation programs .  In particular ,  the student will be able to :  - understand the  methods  of quantification  of genetic variability in  natural populations , - studying  the structure , dynamics, and  the use  of  different  types of molecular markers that  are applied in  population genetics ; -  identify  criteria  for assessing  the  genetic risk for  fragmented, isolated and declining populations.

Course contents

Conservation genetic s
The aims of conservation genetics
Methods  of analysis  of  genetic variability
Molecular markers
Population genetics and genomics
Estimation  of  genetic diversity  within  and among  populations
Molecular  phylogenetics and  species identification
Phylogeography  and identification  of  ESU  and MU
Causes  of erosion  of  genetic diversity
Hybridization
Forensic  genetics
Case studies :  brown bear , wolf , otter ,  wild cat ,  deer, galliforms

Readings/Bibliography

Introduction to conservation genetics

Richard Frankham, Jonathan D. Ballou, David A. Briscoe

Cambridge University Press

Teaching methods

Lectures
Case studies
Laboratory exercises

Assessment methods

Examination

Teaching tools

Practical exercises  in the Laboratory of  conservation  genetics, Ispra

Office hours

See the website of Ettore Randi