Spring 2026 - HSCI 324 D100
Human Population Genetics and Evolution (3)
Class Number: 2094
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Mark Lechner
msl19@sfu.ca
1 778 782-8733
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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 35%
- In-class and online quizzes 30%
- Course learning project/product 35%
NOTES:
Peer-tutoring is planned to be offered this fall 2025 semester with former HSCI 324 students as the peer tutors.
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
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
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.