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BIO403Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Population Genetics

This course, Population Genetics, explores the genetic structure of populations, focusing on genotypic and allelic frequencies. It examines how these frequencies remain constant in ideal populations and how they change due to mutation, selection, migration, and genetic drift. The course also covers the Hardy-Weinberg principle, genetic variation, and evolutionary changes, providing a comprehensive understanding of population genetics.

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50h
Study Time
13
Weeks
4h
Per Week
intermediate
Math Level
Course Keywords
Population GeneticsAllelic FrequencyGenotypic FrequencyHardy-WeinbergGenetic Drift

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📊
Math Level
Moderate Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Basic Concepts of Population Genetics

2

Genotypic and Allelic Frequencies

3

Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

4

Mutation and Genetic Variation

5

Genetic Drift

6

Natural Selection and Adaptation

Total Topics6 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

BIO 201: Genetics 1

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Self-Assessment Exercise

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignment

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Geneticist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Bioinformatician

Apply your skills in this growing field

Data Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Conservation Biologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

PharmaceuticalsBiotechnologyAgricultureConservationResearch Institutions

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

2h

Unit 1: Basic Concepts

2 study hours
  • •Read the introduction to population genetics.
  • •Understand the differences between transmission and population genetics.
  • •Define Mendelian population.
  • •Review the historical development of population genetics.
Week
2

Module 1:

2h

Unit 2: Determination of Genotypic Frequency from Counts

2 study hours
  • •Learn how to determine genotypic frequencies from counts.
  • •Understand the different types of dominance relationships: complete, incomplete, and co-dominance.
  • •Practice calculating genotypic frequencies using examples.
Week
3

Module 1:

2h

Unit 3: Determination of Allelic Frequency from Counts

2 study hours
  • •Learn how to calculate allelic frequencies from observed numbers of genotypes.
  • •Learn how to calculate allelic frequencies from genotypic frequencies.
  • •Practice calculating allelic frequencies using examples.
Week
4

Module 1:

2h

Unit 4: Determination of Allelic Frequency Given Various Conditions

2 study hours
  • •Study the method of calculation given actual counts in multiple allelic systems.
  • •Study the method of calculation given genotypic frequencies in multiple allelic systems.
  • •Work through examples of calculating allelic frequencies in multiple allelic systems.
Week
5

Module 1:

2h

Unit 5: Sex-Linked Traits

2 study hours
  • •Learn how to calculate allelic frequency for sex-linked traits.
  • •Understand the differences in calculations for males and females.
  • •Practice calculating allelic frequencies for sex-linked traits using examples.
Week
6

Module 2:

2h

Unit 1: Hardy-Weinberg Populations

2 study hours
  • •State the Hardy-Weinberg Law.
  • •Highlight the assumptions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
  • •Understand the importance of the Hardy-Weinberg principle.
Week
7

Module 2:

2h

Unit 2: Application of Hardy-Weinberg Equations to Real Populations

2 study hours
  • •Apply the Hardy-Weinberg law to a one locus, two allelic system.
  • •Practice using the binomial equation to predict genotype frequencies.
  • •Calculate allele frequencies in subsequent generations.
Week
8

Module 2:

2h

Unit 3: Application of Hardy-Weinberg Principle to One Locus Multiple Allelic System

2 study hours
  • •Determine allelic and genotypic frequencies in a multiple allelic system.
  • •Apply the Hardy-Weinberg principle to the human ABO blood group system.
  • •Calculate Hardy-Weinberg heterozygosity.
Week
9

Module 2:

2h

Unit 4: Sex-Linked Traits

2 study hours
  • •Determine genotypic and allelic frequencies for sex-linked traits using the Hardy-Weinberg principle.
  • •Understand the differences in calculations for males and females.
  • •Practice calculating frequencies for X-linked traits.
Week
10

Module 3:

2h

Unit 1: Testing Populations for Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium

2 study hours
  • •Distinguish between observed population counts and Hardy-Weinberg expectations.
  • •Use the chi-square test for analysis.
  • •Calculate expected genotypic frequencies.
  • •Compare observed and expected frequencies using the chi-square test.
Week
11

Module 3:

2h

Unit 2: Evolutionary Changes in Genetic Structure of Populations

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the term mutation.
  • •Understand how mutation can alter allele frequencies.
  • •Differentiate between forward and reverse mutations.
  • •Calculate equilibrium frequencies.
Week
12

Module 3:

2h

Unit 3: Genetic Drift

2 study hours
  • •Define genetic drift.
  • •Measure genetic drift in a population.
  • •Discuss variation due to genetic drift.
  • •State the forms of genetic drift: small populations, founder effect, and bottleneck effect.
Week
13

Module 3:

4h

Unit 4: Effect of Migration or Gene Flow on Evolutionary Changes

2 study hours
  • •Define gene flow.
  • •Discuss how gene flow between populations can introduce new alleles.
  • •Understand how gene flow can rapidly change allelic frequencies.
  • •Calculate the effect of migration on allelic frequencies.

Unit 5: Effect of Selective Forces on Evolutionary Changes

2 study hours
  • •Highlight the effect of natural selection on allelic frequencies.
  • •Enumerate the effect of natural selection on evolutionary changes.
  • •Define adaptation and natural selection.
  • •Understand fitness and the coefficient of selection.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all units, focusing on key concepts and definitions.

2

Practice calculating genotypic and allelic frequencies.

3

Understand the assumptions and applications of the Hardy-Weinberg principle.

4

Work through examples of chi-square tests.

5

Create concept maps linking evolutionary forces and their effects on populations.

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