Universität Wien

300159 VO Conservation Genetics (2026S)

(Conservation Genetics)

3.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 30 - Biologie

This course covers in module MNB1 subject area Conservation Genetics.
Moodle

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Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).
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Details

Language: German, English

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

The lecture will be held in English from Monday, 9 March through Friday, 20 March, each working day from 13.00-15.00, EXCEPT for Wednesday, 18 March, and Friday, 20 March. On these two days, the lecture will be from 09.00-11.00 in the morning.
Venue: Natural History Museum Vienna, Kurssaal. Please come to the side entrance on Burgring 7 (not the visitors' entrance in the big square at the front of the building). You can wait by the porters' lodge where I will pick you up.
The lecture will be held in hybrid format and will also be recorded and made available on moodle. The Kurssaal is for up to about 25 people, but in my experience, after a couple of days no more than 10 students will usually show up if the lecture can be accessed online, which is why I will give the lecture at the museum again and not at the UBB where it is very difficult to find a lecture hall that is available each day for two weeks.

  • Monday 09.03. 13:00 - 15:00 Ort in u:find Details
  • Tuesday 10.03. 13:00 - 15:00 Ort in u:find Details
  • Wednesday 11.03. 13:00 - 15:00 Ort in u:find Details
  • Friday 13.03. 13:00 - 15:00 Ort in u:find Details
  • Monday 16.03. 13:00 - 15:00 Ort in u:find Details
  • Tuesday 17.03. 13:00 - 15:00 Ort in u:find Details
  • Wednesday 18.03. 09:00 - 11:00 Ort in u:find Details
  • Thursday 19.03. 13:00 - 15:00 Ort in u:find Details
  • Friday 20.03. 09:00 - 11:00 Ort in u:find Details

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The lecture is an introduction to the population genetic and evolutionary foundations of what happens in small populations of endangered taxa. Central concepts comprise genetic diversity and its quantification, genetic drift, inbreeding, effective population size as well as anthropogenic impacts (habitat destruction, selective hunting, translocations etc.) and hybridisation. Measures to counteract the loss of genetic diversity will also be discussed. The contents of the lecture will be illustrated by means of examples taken from the scientific literature with a focus on mammals and birds (red deer, rhinos, elephants, tigers, eagles and condors, Eurasian rollers, kakapos, black grouse and others).

Assessment and permitted materials

Written exam. 45 minutes. 10 questions, 10 points each. 100 points in total; in order to pass, you need at least 50 points.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

In a written exam: a score of 50%.

Examination topics

Content of the lecture. Details will be given during the lecture.

Reading list

Best introduction to the topic: Frankham et al., A Primer of Conservation Genetics.

Association in the course directory

MNB1, MZO4, MEC-9, MES5, UF MA BU 01, UF MA BU 04

Last modified: Tu 24.03.2026 11:07