Thomas Städler: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2022

Name	Dr. Thomas Städler
Address	Institut für Integrative Biologie ETH Zürich, CHN G 29 Universitätstrasse 16 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND
Telephone	+41 44 632 74 29
E-mail	thomas.staedler@usys.ethz.ch
URL	https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Thomas_Staedler
Department	Environmental Systems Science
Relationship	Lecturer

Number	Title	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
701-1413-00L	Population and Quantitative Genetics	3 credits	2V	T. Städler, J. Stapley
Abstract	This course is an introduction to the rapidly developing fields of population and quantitative genetics, emphasizing the major concepts and ideas over mathematical formalism. An overview is given of how mutation, genetic drift, gene flow, mating systems, and selection affect the genetic structure of populations. Evolutionary processes affecting quantitative and Mendelian characters are discussed.
Learning objective	Students are able to - describe types and sources of genetic variation. - describe fundamental concepts and methods of quantitative genetics. - use basic mathematical formalism to describe major population genetic concepts. - discuss the main topics and developments in population and quantitative genetics. - model population genetic processes using specific computer programs.
Content	Population Genetics: Types and sources of genetic variation; randomly mating populations and the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium; effects of inbreeding; natural selection; random genetic drift and effective population size; gene flow and hierarchical population structure; molecular population genetics: neutral theory of molecular evolution and basics of coalescent theory. Quantitative Genetics: Continuous variation; measurement of quant. characters; genes, environments and their interactions; measuring their influence; response to selection; inbreeding and crossbreeding, effects on fitness; Fisher's fundamental theorem.
Lecture notes	Handouts
Literature	Hamilton, M.B. 2009. Population Genetics. Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester, U.K.
701-1460-00L	Ecology and Evolution: Term Paper	5 credits	11A	T. Städler, J. Alexander, S. Bonhoeffer, T. Crowther, A. Hall, J. Hille Ris Lambers, J. Jokela, J. Payne, G. Velicer, A. Widmer
Abstract	Individual writing of an essay-type review paper about a specialized topic in the field of ecology and evolution, based on substantial reading of original literature and discussions with a senior scientist.
Learning objective	- Students acquire a thorough knowledge on a topic in which they are particularly interested - They learn to assess the relevance of original literature and synthesize information - They make the experience of becoming "experts" on a topic and develop their own perspective - They practise academic writing according to professional standards in English
Content	Topics for the essays are proposed by the professors and lecturers of the major in Ecology and Evolution at a joint meeting at the beginning of the semester (the date will be communicated by e-mail to registered students). Students will: - choose a topic - search and read appropriate literature - develop a personal view on the topic and structure their arguments - prepare figures and tables to represent ideas or illustrate them with examples - write a clear, logical and well-structured text - refine the text and present the paper according to professional standards In all steps, they will benefit from the advice and detailed feedback given by a senior scientist acting as personal tutor of the student.
Lecture notes	Reading of articles in scientific journals
Prerequisites / Notice	The "Term Paper" requires considerable time set aside to read and digest original scientific literature, culminating in the writing of a review paper. The submission deadline is the first day of the spring semester, implying that much of the actual writing will be performed in January and February. Grading is based on the quality of the submitted review paper (2/3 of total grade), and on the "soft skills" such as the level of initiative, timeliness, independence, etc. of the student (1/3 of total grade). The personal supervisor is charged with grading the student's performance.
701-2413-00L	Evolutionary Genetics	6 credits	4V	T. Städler, A. Widmer, S. Fior, M. Fischer, J. Stapley
Abstract	The concept course 'Evolutionary Genetics' consists of two lectures that jointly provide an introduction to the fields of population and quantitative genetics (emphasis on basic concepts) and ecological genetics (more emphasis on evolutionary and ecological processes of adaptation and speciation).
Learning objective	The aim of the course is to provide students with a solid introduction to the fields of population genetics, quantitative genetics, and ecological genetics. The concepts and research methods developed in these fields have undergone profound transformations; they are of fundamental importance in our understanding of evolutionary processes, both past and present. Students should gain an appreciation for the concepts, methods and explanatory power of evolutionary genetics.
Content	Population genetics - Types and sources of genetic variation; randomly mating populations and the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium; effects of inbreeding; natural selection; random genetic drift and effective population size; gene flow and hierarchical population structure; molecular population genetics: neutral theory of molecular evolution and basics of coalescent theory. Quantitative genetics - Continuous variation; measurement of quant. characters; genes, environments and their interactions; measuring their influence; response to selection; inbreeding and crossbreeding, effects on fitness; Fisher's fundamental theorem. Ecological Genetics - Concepts and methods for the study of genetic variation and its role in adaptation, reproductive isolation, hybridization and speciation
Lecture notes	Handouts
Literature	Hamilton, M.B. 2009. Population Genetics. Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester, U.K.