This course explores the ecological and evolutionary factors that influence the genetic structure of plant and animal populations. We begin the course by describing the range of molecular genetic markers available for identifying genetic variation within and among populations. Next we introduce a wide range of standard and new statistical procedures for population genetic analysis. The course is taught in intensive workshop format and employs a combination of lectures, tutorials and computer-based practical sessions designed to ensure that students fully understand the procedures involved. For many of the analyses, students will learn to calculate the various statistics by hand, before attempting the self-paced, computer-based examples, pursuing further understanding and interpretation of the results. Lectures, with examples drawn from plants, birds and mammals will illustrate both statistical analyses and biological interpretations of real data sets.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
1. Understand and describe the range of molecular laboratory techniques available for detecting population genetic variation
2. Perform statistical analysis of population genetic data under limited supervision, by hand, calculator and with the aid of computer software, and summarise and interpret the outcomes in written and oral form
3. Search the literature to identify papers relevant to the biological data sets provided for statistical analysis and integrate and evaluate the findings in written and oral form
4. Explain the ecological and evolutionary factors that influence the genetic structure of plant and animal populations.
Indicative Assessment
Assessment will be based on:
- Computer based tutorial reports (60%) demonstrating competent use of the software, understanding and meaningful interpretation of the analysis outcomes in relation to the theory (LO 1-3)
- Reports (30%) demonstrating literature search skills, critical evaluation and synthesis of topics relevant to both the practical and theory components of the course (LO 1-4)
- Oral presentation (10%) that demonstrates capacity to analyse and interpret real data sets (L0 1-4)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Primarily presented in an intensive workshop during 4-15 July, format (6 x 7 hrs) over a 10 day period followed by 2 or more 1 hour tutorial sessions.Requisite and Incompatibility
Specialisations
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $3444 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $4590 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
