Learn how genetic variation shapes populations, complex traits, and evolutionary change. Drawing on content from Anthony J. F. Griffiths, John F. Doebley, Susan R. Wessler, Catherine Peichel, David Wassarman, and Sean B. Carroll, authors of Introduction to Genetic Analysis, published by Macmillan Learning, this course brings together population genetics, quantitative inheritance, evolution, and applied genetic analysis.

You will calculate allele frequencies and apply the Hardy-Weinberg law, then analyze how mating systems, drift, migration, selection, mutation, and linkage disequilibrium affect variation. You will also compare genetic and environmental contributions to complex traits, interpret heritability, and examine QTL and association mapping. You will connect changes in genes and genomes with the evolution of traits and species. Applied topics include SARS-CoV-2 and the genetic architecture of cancer, while model-organism guidance, genetic nomenclature, and database resources support your work with genetic evidence. Through readings and practice problems, you will use quantitative reasoning to interpret genetic variation and apply concepts to biological questions. The course includes approximately nine hours of learning material and builds on foundational genetics and probability concepts. This course is part of the The Science of Genetic Analysis: From Inheritance to DNA Technology Specialization and can also be taken independently.