Course objectives - to learn the basics of population and quantitative genetic theory and how they are applied in the analysis of human and non-human primate data.

Grading - Grading is by the "rule of thirds." There will be homework assignments that determine a third of your grade, class exams that determine a third, and a project/paper that determines a third. The homework can be done in collaboration with other students in the course. The class exams (midterm and final) will be take-homes, and must be done independently. The project/paper will be your foray into the wonderful world of PAP, Phylip, FISHER, MEGA, or whatever (see the list at http://linkage.rockefeller.edu/soft/list.html for linkage and pedigree analysis/drawing, or go to Felsenstein's list at: http://evolution.genetics.washington.edu/phylip/software.html for phylogenetic stuff).

Text

Hartl (2000) A Primer of Population Genetics - We will follow the book fairly closely until we reach chapter 4, where we will still use the book, but treating the sections in that chapter out of order.  After we finish polygenic traits we will be done with the book.

Helpful hints (re:computers) - While working through the material is essential to understanding it, there is no reason to slog through by hand. At the minimum, you will want to use a computer spreadsheet (e.g., Excel, Lotus, Quattro, etc.) to work through "deterministic simulations." To circumvent algebraic hassles, you may also want to consider using a software package with symbolic capabilities. For those annoying matrix problems, we will be using the "R" language (http://temper.stat.cmu.edu/R/CRAN/).

Jan. 10

MLK Day (no classes)