Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - HSCI 324 D100

Human Population Genetics and Evolution (3)

Class Number: 4304

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 202 with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Human variation and human health in the context of population genetics, epidemiology, demography, and human evolution.

COURSE DETAILS:

An explanation of human origins, ancestry, diversity, adaptations, and disease risk in the context of genetic variation, evolution, demography and epidemiology. This course is designed to show how human history and health has been and can be influenced by genetic features in the context of a dynamic environment.  Particular attention will be paid to how this and other forms of knowledge can tell the stories of humans, our connections, and reveal the complexities of who we are.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course it is expected that students will be prepared to

  • describe the basic principles of human heredity as it relates to population genetics
  • explain how different selective and stochastic forces create and shape the distribution of genetic variability in humans
  • explain how evolution’s main components: variation, adaption, competition, and cooperation impact human health and disease, i.e. fitness
  • apply appropriate mathematical models to evaluate the behaviour of data from population genetic studies
  • summarize key elements of peer-reviewed literature in this field through written, visual and oral communication formats
  • evaluate different models and forms/levels of evidence for human evolution

Grading

  • Take home assignments 40%
  • In-class and online quizzes 30%
  • Course learning project/product 30%

NOTES:

Peer-tutoring is planned to be offered this fall 2024 semester with former HSCI 324 students as the peer educators.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Course materials (lectures, videos, readings, etc.) will be available via Canvas.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Principles of Populations Genetics, 4th Ed. by Hartl and Clark
ISBN: 978-0878933082

Human Evolutionary Genetics; Origins Peoples and Disease, 2nd Ed. by Jobling, Hollox, Hurles, Kivisild, Tyler-Smith
ISBN: 978-0-8153-4148-2

Genes, Culture, and Human Evolution: A Synthesis, by Stone and Lurquin
ISBN: 978-1-4051-3166-7

Primer of Population Genetics, by Hartl
ISBN: 978-0878933044

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.