Aim of the course

The learning objectives of this course is to teach MSc (and PhD) to:

1. parameterize and execute common population genetic modeling software.
2. determine the level of simulations necessary for rigorous estimations/inferences.
3. understand and interpret the output from common population simulation software.
4. critically assess published population genetic inferences based upon modeling.

Contents & Structure

The course consists of lectures, in-depth reading and discussion of original research papers as well as computer exercises. Each week will focus on a specific type of population/conservation genetic question, such as changes in effective population size, paternity assignment, gene flow and genome wide scans of linkage. Students need to prepare by reading one/two pre-selected papers each week and participate in a group presentation and chairing of the discussion of one case study. Each week students will conduct computer simulations relevant to the case study of the week. The final (3rd) week will be aimed at a larger individual modeling exercise and a written report of the question, approach and results.