202114 Spezialmodul Methods in Molecular Ecology and Population Genetics (Ü+Pr) (SoSe 2026)

The spezialmodul “Methods in Molecular Ecology and Population Genetics” will provide hands-on training in modern molecular ecological and population genetic approaches, with a strong emphasis on analysing real datasets from wild populations. The course will begin with foundational population genetic theory and methods, complemented by laboratory sessions that will give the students practical experience of DNA extraction and genotyping. Students will receive structured training in R, starting from the basics and progressing toward more complex coding and reproducible workflows. This knowledge will be put into practice through the implementation of population genetic analyses in R, including calculating genetic diversity and inferring population structure. The course will also introduce students to specialized population genetics software, for example, for reconstructing past changes in population size from sequence data. Hands-on training will be based on diverse datasets including mitochondrial DNA sequences, microsatellite genotypes and next-generation sequencing data. By combining dedicated laboratory and computer practicals with guided analysis sessions and journal clubs, this course aims to
equip students with a conceptual understanding and the practical skills necessary to tackle key challenges in evolutionary and conservation genetics.