Lesson Title: Population Genetics and Disease

Grade Level: University

Objective: Students will be able to understand the relationship between population genetics and disease, and how genetic variations can affect disease susceptibility and prevalence.

Materials: - PowerPoint presentation - Handouts - Whiteboard and markers

Introduction (10 minutes): - Introduce the topic of population genetics and disease. - Ask students if they know what population genetics is and how it relates to disease. - Explain that population genetics is the study of genetic variation within and between populations, and how this variation can affect the prevalence and susceptibility of diseases.

Body (40 minutes): - Use the PowerPoint presentation to explain the following concepts: - Genetic variation and its sources (mutation, recombination, migration, and selection) - Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and its assumptions - Genetic drift and its effects on small populations - Natural selection and its effects on disease susceptibility - Genetic linkage and association studies - Provide examples of diseases that are influenced by genetic variation, such as sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and Huntington’s disease. - Discuss how genetic variations can affect disease susceptibility and prevalence in different populations, such as the higher prevalence of sickle cell anemia in African populations and the higher prevalence of cystic fibrosis in European populations. - Use handouts to provide additional information and examples.

Conclusion (10 minutes): - Summarize the main points of the lesson. - Ask students if they have any questions or comments. - Encourage students to further explore the topic of population genetics and disease on their own.

Assessment: - Ask students to write a short essay on the relationship between population genetics and disease, and how genetic variations can affect disease susceptibility and prevalence.