66545 - Molecular Anthropology and Human Biodiversity

Learning outcomes

"Course aims:determine evolutionary links between ancient and modern populations, as well as between contemporary species. At the end of the course, students will have basic knowledge of human evolution and variability at the molecular level. In particular, students will be able to: - understand the most importance differences between ape and human genomes - discover, assay and make inferences from the patterns of human genetic variation - use software for population genetics data analysis (Arlequin, DNAsp, MEGA, PHYLIP) - provide a correct interpretation of results "

Course contents

Structure, Function and Inheritance of the human genome

The diversity of the human genome and the concept of "race"

Processes shaping diversity (Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, mutation and ricombination, genetic drift, gene flow, selection)

Interplay among the different forces of evolution

Origins of modern humans

Geographical distribution of diversity, Out of Africa model and Multiregional model

Mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome phylogeny

Making inference from diversity (measures of molecular diversity, neutrality test, mismatch distribution, phylogenetic trees)

Readings/Bibliography

Jobling M.A., Hurles M.E., Tyler-Smith C., Human evolutionary genetics, Garland Science, 2004
Material and tools will be provided as an integration to the information given during the lectures.

Teaching methods

Lectures

Assessment methods

Written examinationwithin regular sessions.

Teaching tools

overhead, pc

Office hours

See the website of Donata Luiselli