Rationale
We are interested in using the Fish 510 series to explore advanced topics in the area of genetics, genomics and physiology. The number of students and faculty in this area are increasing, but most graduate students are only able to take Conservation Genetics and Environmental Physiology at the 400 level, and Population Genetics and Bioinformatics at the 500 level. We feel that essential advanced topics are being omitted from graduate education, and that there are few other departments that provide sufficient context for applied genetics and physiology. We also realize that we, as a group, are unable respond to and educate students in emerging topics in the area. We recognize that there is a need for a cohesive approach to the class, and thus propose developing a regular “series”.

Faculty
Our projections show that three faculty (Roberts, Hauser and Naish) have five teaching quarters every biennium that can be dedicated to the series. One faculty will lead the series in a given quarter.

Implementation
Graduate students typically require stability in predicting classes in a given year, and therefore we propose submitting an annual syllabus in Spring quarter, in anticipation of the curriculum in the following academic year.
Topic areas include;
•    Innovations in molecular approaches and genomics
•    Selection and adaptation in aquatic populations (e.g. fisheries induced evolution)
•    Integrating fisheries management and genetics
•    Bridging the gap between the phenotype and the genotype
•    Evolution in aquatic environments
•    Physiological genomics

Structure
We propose a number of models for the class, any of which may be implemented in a given quarter.
•    Discussion seminars, based on primary literature
•    Lecture series
•    Computer labs and workshops
•    Seminar series, which includes both internal and external speakers. We have considerable expertise in the immediate area, and we feel that our students can take advantage of frequent interactions within the broader community
•    Innovative approaches, such as developing video conference discussions with lab groups at other universities
We will encourage participation from students in each of our research groups, over and above the enrolled students.

Timetable (starting 2009/2010) and teaching faculty responsible for the new 510 series. In winter, the 510 will alternate with Bioinformatics.