Modelling genes: the backwards and forwards of mathematical population genetics
How can we explain the patterns of genetic variation in the world around us? The genetic composition of a population can be changed by natural selection, mutation, mating, and other genetic, ecological and evolutionary mechanisms. How do they interact with one another, and what was their relative importance in shaping the patterns we see today?

Whereas the pioneers of the field could only observe genetic variation indirectly, by looking at traits of individuals in a population, researchers today have direct access to DNA sequences. But making sense of this wealth of data presents a major scientific challenge and mathematical models play a decisive role. This lecture will distil our understanding into workable models and explore the remarkable power of simple mathematical caricatures in interrogating modern genetic data.

Alison Etheridge FRS is Professor of Probability in the University of Oxford.

30 June 2016
5.00-6.00pm
Lecture Theatre 1
Mathematical Institute
Oxford

Please email external-relations@maths.ox.ac.uk to register
Date: 30 June 2016, 17:00 (Thursday, 10th week, Trinity 2016)
Venue: Mathematical Institute, Woodstock Road OX2 6GG
Venue Details: Lecture Theatre 1, Mathematical Institute, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road
Speaker: Professor Alison Etheridge (University of Oxford)
Organising department: Mathematical Institute
Organiser: Dyrol Lumbard (University of Oxford)
Organiser contact email address: external-relations@maths.ox.ac.uk
Part of: Oxford Mathematics Public Lectures
Booking required?: Required
Booking email: external-relations@maths.ox.ac.uk
Audience: Public
Editor: Dyrol Lumbard