Module ENS-4404:
Genetics and the Conservation

Overview

An implicit, if not explicit, goal of conservation efforts is to promote the long-term viability of species, populations, and/or ecosystems. Genetic tools and analyses play an important role in achieving these goals: for example, they can be used to study the evolution of diseases in small populations, guide both in-situ and ex-situ population management, and aid in broad-scale biodiversity monitoring efforts. This module will use a combination of lectures and practical exercises to introduce you to the field of conservation genetics.

Over the course of this module you will receive training in the field of conservation genetics, as it is applied at the forefront of current conservation efforts. As such, this module will provide you with theoretical and practical experience in applying genetics in conservation. Core concepts that you will be encouraged to critically engage with will include understanding when the use of genetic approaches in conservation are appropriate and what trade-offs exist between genetic and ‘non-genetic’ approaches to conservation? Additional core questions we will address include how do evolutionary processes differ between small and large populations? And, how are genetic tools used to inform in-situ conservation management, ex-situ conservation programmes, and biodiversity monitoring schemes? Upon completion of this module, you will have gained the tools necessary to develop and apply comprehensive conservation genetics approaches to real-world problems in conservation.

An implicit, if not explicit, goal of conservation efforts is to promote the long-term viability of species, populations, and/or ecosystems. Genetic tools and analyses play an important role in achieving these goals: for example, they can be used to study the evolution of diseases in small populations, guide both in-situ and ex-situ population management, and aid in broad-scale biodiversity monitoring efforts. This module will use a combination of lectures and practical exercises to introduce you to the field of conservation genetics.

Over the course of this module you will receive training in the field of conservation genetics, as it is applied at the forefront of current conservation efforts. As such, this module will provide you with theoretical and practical experience in deploying and interpreting genetic data and analyses in conservation. Core concepts that you will be encouraged to critically engage with will include understanding when the use of genetic approaches in conservation are appropriate and what trade-offs exist between genetic and ‘non-genetic’ approaches to conservation? Additional core questions we will address include how do evolutionary processes differ between small and large populations? And, how are genetic tools used to inform in-situ conservation management, ex-situ conservation programmes, and biodiversity monitoring schemes? Upon completion of this module, you will have gained the tools necessary to develop and apply comprehensive conservation genetics approaches to real-world problems in conservation.

Assessment Strategy

threshold (mark range 50-59%)  : A threshold student should have knowledge of the essential facts and key concepts discussed in the module. Written work should demonstrate an ability to synthesise and interpret data from the primary literature in a structured and logical manner, and all assessments should demonstrate the general capacity to organise acquired knowledge. Assessments (written and presented) should elucidate important background concepts and promote original discussion of unresolved issues   good (mark range 60-69%)  : A good student should understand and be able to describe the significance of current debates in conservation genetics by showing an in-depth knowledge of the most recent advances and applications in the field. Written work should demonstrate an ability to synthesise and interpret data from the primary literature in a structured and logical manner, and all assessments should demonstrate advanced capacity to organise acquired knowledge. Assessments (written and presented) should promote engaged discussion that spans both the specific findings of studies and their broader implications for larger issues   excellent (mark range 70-100%) : An excellent student should show a nuanced and critical understanding of current debates in conservation genetics, drawing on extensive factual knowledge of the costs and benefits of the most recent advances in the field. Written work should demonstrate an ability to synthesise and interpret data from the primary literature and construct well-argued critiques and original interpretations. Assessments (written and presented) should promote engaged and insightful discussion that spans both the specific findings of studies and their broader implications for larger issues. In all aspects of their work students should be able to use their knowledge and understanding of issues to identify strengths and weaknesses in current applications of conservation genetics and propose solutions to address major gaps in current knowledge

Learning Outcomes

• critically evaluate the breadth of genetic tools being applied to problems in conservation and understand their theoretical foundations.

• design effective real-world conservation genetic studies.

• judge the costs and benefits of genetic versus alternative conservation strategies.