Conservation Genetics

Conservation genetics is the field that seeks to use DNA to study and protect the living world and its biodiversity. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the leading international conservation body, recognizes the crucial need to conserve genetic diversity as one of the three fundamental levels of biodiversity.

The main goal of this course is to introduce students to the different methods that conservation geneticists use to preserve biodiversity. This includes how DNA sequencing and fingerprinting techniques can be used to determine species distribution patterns, to identify products made from endangered animals, and to propagate endangered species in captivity. The students then learn how scientists and governments can use this information to allocate limited conservation dollars where they are most needed. By the end of the course, students write grant proposals for their own conservation projects, which they then present to the class.

DNA Barcoding and Bioinformatics

In this course, students explore a cutting edge methodology that has helped scientists all over the world identify and study biodiversity: DNA barcoding. This scientific methodology can be applied to explore and answer a great diversity of questions: Does the leather used to make this purse, belt, or wallet come from an endangered, illegally harvested species? Does the bug I found in my room cause health problems? Are the plants growing in my backyard native or invasive species? Students in this course have the opportunity to participate in hands-on labs to learn the basics of DNA barcoding. They also learn basic concepts in ecology, biodiversity, and conservation biology.

2020 Course Schedule

UBRP Prep Courses Register for Course(s)
Conservation Genetics DNALC NYC at City Tech	January 6, 8, 13, 15, 22, 27, 29, February 3, 5, 10, 12, 24	Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:30 pm–6:30 pm (Must participate all sessions)
Conservation Genetics Harlem DNA Lab	February 18–21	Tuesday to Friday, 9:30 am–3:30 pm
DNA Barcoding and Bioinformatics DNALC NYC at City Tech	March 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30, April 1, 6	Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:30 pm–6:30 pm (Must participate all sessions)
DNA Barcoding and Bioinformatics Harlem DNA Lab	April 13–17	Monday to Friday, 9:30 am–2:30 pm
Conservation Genetics Harlem DNA Lab	July 13-17	Monday to Friday, 9:30 am–2:30 pm
DNA Barcoding and Bioinformatics Harlem DNA Lab	July 20-24	Monday to Friday, 9:30 am–2:30 pm
Conservation Genetics Harlem DNA Lab	July 27-31	Monday to Friday, 9:30 am–2:30 pm
DNA Barcoding and Bioinformatics Harlem DNA Lab	August 3-7	Monday to Friday, 9:30 am–2:30 pm
Conservation Genetics Harlem DNA Lab	August 10-14	Monday to Friday, 9:30 am–2:30 pm
DNA Barcoding and Bioinformatics Harlem DNA Lab	August 17-21	Monday to Friday, 9:30 am–2:30 pm

UBRP course locations:

Harlem DNA Lab: John S. Roberts Educational Complex (J.H.S. 45), 2351 First Avenue (at 120th Street), East Harlem, New York 10035 [directions]

DNA Learning Center NYC at City Tech: 300 Jay Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201 (Enter at 259 Adams Street) [directions]