Applications for 2007 are now closed!

Objective

To provide training in conceptual and practical aspects of data analysis for the conservation genetics of natural and managed populations. Emphasis will be on interpretation of output from recent novel statistical approaches and software programs. The course also will allow daily discussions among young researchers and top-researchers to help develop the next generation of conservation geneticists, and to identify developments needed to improve data analysis approaches. This course will include recent coalescent, Bayesian, approximate Bayesian, and likelihood-based approaches.

Who should apply

Ph.D. students, post-docs, and population biologists with a background of at least one semester university-level course in population genetics and a course in population ecology. Applicants must have a basic background in population genetic data analysis, including testing for Hardy-Weinberg proportions and gametic disequilibrium. Participation will be limited to 25 people allowing efficient instruction with hands-on computer exercises during the course. Priority will be given to persons with their own data to analyze (for example graduate students near the end of their degree program).

Course/Workshop Format

For each subject, we provide 30-45 minutes of background, theory, discussion and introduction to concepts. Immediately following, we will conduct data analyses together for 30-60 minutes using relevant software programs and real data sets. Evening hands-on computer sessions and housing together of instructors and students in the same location will allow for extensive exchange and facilitate learning.

Instructors/Speakers

Albano Beja-Pereira
Sam Cushman
Oscar Gaggiotti
Katherine Kendall
Gordon Luikart
David Lynn
Mark Miller
Jonathan Pritchard
Bruce Rannala
Mike Schwartz
David Tallmon
Robin Waples

Congen 2006 @ Porto, Portugal, European Union