Genetics is the basis for most biological, medical and biotechnical analyses and techniques. Consequently, in order to optimally exploit the biotechnical tools, knowledge about the basic genetics is of great importance. This course aims to give a broad knowledge, from an evolutionary perspective, of how genetic variation is formed and inherited, and how it evolves.
A number of basic aspects of genetics will be studied, for example:
The origins of life, and the “Tree of Life”: the origins, development and relationships (phylogeny) of all organisms
The mechanisms of evolution
The genetic difference between organisms: differences and similarities in the architecture and function of the genomes, and how this evolved through the evolution
Inheritance of genes and traits: different modes of inheritance (e.g. Mendelian and asexual) and their effect on the “success” of individuals and species
Epigenetics
Inherited diseases: their causes and effects
Mutations: the chemistry of DNA damage and cellular mechanisms for their repair
Mapping of genes (identification of which trait is affected by which gene)
Genetic differences between human populations: their historical origin and subsequent spread, and their medical importance
The potentials and limits of the recent improvements in genetic analysis for medicine