Applied Conservation Genetics with Wildlife ForensicsOnline Certificate, Diploma and Masters programmes

Gene Function AdaptationDiversityTaxonomy

Management EnforcementBehaviourEcology

Wildlife Genetics

• Bridging the gap between academia and conservation• Building knowledge and capacity in wildlife forensics

=> Need for an applied international programme

Wildlife Genetics Applications

Applied Wildlife Genetic Theory

ConservationPolicy Wildlife

Management

Reintroductions

CaptiveManagement

AuthenticityTraceability

Wildlife Crime

Population GeneticsEvolutionary Biology

Programme StaffProf Rob Ogden Programme Director

Wildlife Forensic/Cons Genetics

Dr Lucy Webster Deputy Programme DirectorWildlife Forensic Scientist

Dr Sílvia Pérez-Espona Programme CoordinatorConservation Geneticist

Dr Emily Humble Programme TutorConservation Geneticist

Mr Brian Mather E-Learning Developer

Programme contributors

Taught ProgrammeCourse Year Title Credits

1 1 Essential population genetic theory and techniques 20

2 1 Introduction to applied conservation genetics 20

3 1 Introduction to wildlife forensics 10

4 1 Genetic data analysis 10

5 2 Applied conservation genetics and wildlife forensics 20

6 2 Quality management in wildlife forensic science 10 (E)

7 2 Reporting forensic evidence 10 (E)

8 2 Population genetics for conservation breeding 10 (E)

9 2 Genetics for reintroductions, translocations and monitoring 10 (E)

10 2 The role of wildlife genetics in global conservation challenges 20

E = Elective, select 2 from 4

Course 1Essential Population Genetic Theory and Techniques

Genetic variation

Molecular genetics

Phylogenetics

Population genetics

Data analysis

Course 2 Introduction to Applied Conservation Genetics

Assessment

Poster preparation and presentation

Research Project Plan

Activities

Ningaloo reef

Komodo dragon

Lectures

Applications of conservation genetics to support wildlife management

Course 3Introduction to Wildlife Forensics

Evidence collection

Evidence transfer

Laboratory analysis

Result interpretation

Reporting

Evidence Presentation

Evidence collection

Evidence transfer

Course 4Genetic data analysis for conservation management and wildlife forensics

BLAST

Geneious

GenAlEx

Arlequin

wildlifedetectR

Course 5Applied Conservation Genetics and Wildlife Forensics

Activities

Galapagos islands

Rare ghost orchid

Assessment

Policy Brief

Research project plan

Lectures

Genetic and genomic approaches to assess wildlife conservation and law enforcement

Course 6 Quality Management in Wildlife Forensic Science

Validation

Auditing

Interviews

QMS

Standards

Course 7Reporting Forensic Evidence

Interpreting results

TestimonyLawyers perspective

Adversarial vsInquisitorial

legal systemsShared experience

Course 8Population Genetics for Conservation Breeding

Zoo conservation

Studbook Management

Plants & Group Management

Breeding Programmes

Genetic Challenges

Course 9 Conservation Genetics for Reintroductions, Translocations and Population Monitoring

Activities

Community (Padlet)

PVA lions

Assessment

Reintroduction plan

Application of conservation genetics principles to wildlife management

Lectures

Course 10The role of wildlife genetics in global conservation challenges

Genetics & Global Conservation

Conservation Policies & Genetics

Project Management

Training and Capacity Building

Project Funding

Community Conservation

Future Directions

Masters Dissertation – Year 3• Ex-situ conservation genetics of the Pancake

Tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri)• Sea turtle population monitoring studies• DNA sequencing and mapping of African

Lions (Panthera leo) in Zambia• Tool development for hippopotamus

(Hippopotamus amphibious) DNA forensics• Landscape and environmental genetics of

the army ant, Eciton hamatum, in Panama• A genetic diversity scorecard system for

Ireland and the Democratic Rep. of the Congo• A review of genetic approaches to invasive

species management adopted by the CBD

Most conducted in collaboration with local institutions

How does online study work at Edinburgh?Programme accessed through a dedicated online platform

Discussion boards

Live sessions

Videos

Online community

Library resources

Personal tutors

Guest lecturers

International networks

The University of Edinburgh has specialised in online learning for over a decade

Introduction to Applied Conservation Genetics – Week 5

Welcome and summary of the week’s learning content

Lecture by Sílvia(3 parts, total 45 minutes)• Lecture• Notes• Handout• Audio

Guest lecturer – case study (total 37 min)

Reading 1 essential1 recommended4 further reading

Main learning content

Discussion board based on the exercise

Live session with guest lecturer

Recording

Formative assessment:MCQs

Poster critique

Two videos:Metabarcoding and monitoring

Sign-up sheet

Further learning activitiesIntroduction to Applied Conservation Genetics – Week 5

Example of slides

Introduction to Applied Conservation Genetics – Week 5

Reflection pointHow could you get more detailed information of the shark population using a metabarcoding approach?

Academic SkillsSourcing Information

Understanding Data

Presentation Skills

General Resources

Critical Reading

Critical Writing

Providing Feedback

Systematic Reviews

Wildlife genetic data analysis

Project planning & grant writing

Writing reports and presenting evidence

Engagement: stakeholders and policy makers

Validating methods

Wildlife Forensic casework

Genetic data interpretation

Application of emerging technologies

Applied Skills – Future employment