Entry requirements

Completed courses worth 120 credits and participation in the course Genome Analysis, of which at least 5 credits must have been completed . English 6. (A Swedish Degree of Bachelor satisfies this requirement.)

Learning outcomes

The course intends to provide knowledge of theory and analytical methods in population genomics.

After passing the course, the student should be able to:

• explain population genetic/genomic principles and solve biological problems by means of these.
• analyse genome sequence data from a large number of individuals with regard to e.g. mapping of trait and identification of signals from selection.
• use simulations to test as well as generate hypotheses and compare with empirical observations.
• Identify relevant questions in population genetics and propose strategies to solve the problems.
• critically analyse, evaluate and compile results of population genomic analyses.

Content

The course covers the principles of population genetics; including inheritance, Mendelian genetics, allele frequencies, allele frequency spectra, linkage disequilibrium, genetic diversity and measure on diversity, the Wright-Fisher model, coalescence theory, inbreeding, population structure, selection and quantitative genetics. These principles are connected to empirical genome variation data and to simulation tools. Practical components that are treated include estimation of parameters (e.g. mutation rate and recombination rate), mapping of traits (both quantitative and discrete), tests of models including neutrality test and selection test.

Instruction

Lectures, exercises, computer labs and a project.

Assessment

Theory, written examination 5 credits. Oral presentation of exercises and computer labs 3 credits. Written project report 2 credits.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.