Molecular Anthropology and Human Biodiversity.  Donata Luiselli

Course aims:  Determining evolutionary relationships  between ancient and modern populations, as well as between contemporary human populations. 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 - identify individuals -discover, assay and make inferences about whether evolutionary forces are affecting genetic diversity in natural populations - use software for population genetics data analysis - provide a correct interpretation of results "

Course contents: The diversity of the human genome; Microevolutionary factors and their interaction; Molecular markers in the analysis of human population biodiversity (mtDNA, Y chromosome and autosomes); Comparison between human, Neanderthal and other genomes; The origin and spread of modern humans; Measurements of human genetic variation (genetic distances, phylogenetic methods, selection tests)
Readings/Bibliography: on line, selected papers and books.
Jobling M.A., Hurles M.E., Tyler-Smith C., Human evolutionary genetics, Garland Science, 2004

Teaching methods: Lectures, practicum and lab. activity including some R basic programming
Assessment methods: During the course some tests will be performed in order to assess the student advancements.  The student at the end of the course has to present a seminar based on a scientific paper and a written test.
Teaching tools: PC, overhead projector, laboratory activity.