The purpose of the Module of Quantitative Genetics, in the frame of the integrated course in Advanced and Quantitative Genetics, is to provide the students with a detailed knowledge in the field of Quantitative Genetics, discussing the related topics from the origins to the most recent applications in this field of the new molecular technologies. Since Quantitative Genetics relies heavily on statistical techniques, many biometric approaches to evaluation of numerical data will be presented. This will allow the student to understand both the potential underlying the identification of new genes and the pitfalls due to not-so-well-understood genetics and statistical basic theory. The overall aim of this module is to provide knowledge and abilities needed for the understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying the expression of metric traits.
The Course will make the student familiar with basic and advanced issues in Quantitative Genetics. Since its beginning, this branch of Genetics developed buttressed by statistical and biometrical aspects. It is thus necessary to provide the student with interlaced genetic and statistical knowledge. At the end of the module, the student will have the knowledge necessary to understand modern quantitative genetics, both in its theoretical and molecular aspects, with special stress on Genome Wide Analysis and Association Mapping.
At the end of the course, the Student will be able to plan experiments in the field of Quantitative Genetics and will acquire a modern understanding of the relationship gene(s)/environment(s) so as to correctly evaluate the advances in the evolutionary, biomedical and biotechnological areas and suggest solutions to related problems.