Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - HSCI 324 D100

Human Population Genetics and Evolution (3)

Class Number: 2982

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 11, 2019
    Thu, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 202.

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 ancestry, diversity, and disease risk in the context of genetic variation, evolution, demography and epidemiology. This course has been designed to show how genetic features in an ever-changing environment have shaped human history and health.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course I anticipate that students will be able to:

  • describe the basic principles of human heredity as it relates to population genetics
  • describe and categorize the selective and stochastic forces that create and shape the distribution of genetic variability in humans
  • explain how evolution’s main components: variation, adaptation and competition, impact human health and disease, and fitness
  • apply appropriate mathematical models to analyze data from population genetic studies
  • summarize key elements of peer-reviewed literature in this field by both written and oral communication formats
  • evaluate different forms and levels of evidence that support models of evolution

Grading

  • Final exam 35%
  • Midterm exam 30%
  • Take home assignments 20%
  • In class quizzes 15%

Materials

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

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site 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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS