Conservation and the genetics of populations

Education facts

Code: BIO418

Loss of biological diversity is often caused by human activities that affect ecology of species, such as habitat change, exploitation and spread of alien species. This course provides a background on how population genetic methods can be used in conservation of biological diversity on different levels, i.e. population, species and ecosystems. The usefulness of genetic tools and concepts in conservation, as well as ecology, evolution and other fields of biology, is continually expanding as new molecular technologies are developed at a high rate. This course deals with how these methods can be applied in research and management of natural resources.

Entry requirements

Alternative 1: Completed basic courses in biology comprising 60 credits in the subject areas of cell biology, molecular genetics, evolution, botanical and zoological physiology, ecology, biodiversity and systematics, or equivalent. Alternative 2: 90 credits approved of 120 credits on courses within the first two years of the Bachelor program in marine sciences, University of Gothenburg, or equivalent. Alternative 3: Completed courses in the first year of the Bachelors in science in Environmental science program and an additional 15 hp basic level course in biology, or equivalent. In addition to any of the three alternatives above, at least one approved in-depth course (15 credits) in a relevant area in biology at the Bachelor level and English 6/English B or equivalent, is required.

Education offerings

Each offering has its own dates and conditions. Closed offerings are retained as history and do not mean that a new application is open.

• Conservation and the genetics of populations

  University of Gothenburg

  Start date: 19 January 2026

  End date: 25 March 2026

  Pace of study: 100 %