Course content

The course gives an introduction to mathematical models in population genetics and quantitative genetics. Topics include the Hardy-Weinberg law, linkage, linkage disequilibrium, sex-linkage, estimation and hypothesis testing, selection, segregational load, frequency dependence, kin-selection, mutation, mutational load, migration, the Wahlund-effect, migration-selection-clines, wavespeeds, coefficients of inbreeding and kinship, difference equations, genetic drift, effective population size, interaction between drift and other evolutionary forces, effects of inbreeding on quantitative characters, means of crosses and backcrosses, decomposition of quantitative characters, additive and dominance variance, covariance between relatives, truncating selection.

Learning outcome

This course gives an introduction to mathematical models used in population genetics and quantitative genetics. Developing the students skills in reasoning through the use of mathematical models is emphasized.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and compulsory exercises. The lectures may be given in English. Written final examination is the basis for the grade awarded in the course.

Retake of examination may be given as an oral examination.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

The course is based on ST0101 Probability with applications and ST0201 Statistics with applications, or ST0103 Statistics with applications, and MOL4010 Molecular Biology for Technologists.

Course materials

Will be announced at the start of the course.