Many beginning students find some aspects of genetics much more difficult to grasp than others. Not very surprisingly, this is especially true of the problem solving and calculations involved in Mendelian genetics, pedigree analysis, linkage and mapping, quantitative analysis, and population genetics. We have found that texts often lack the space to provide much feedback to students regarding problem sets. Even if the correct answer is given, a student who arrives at a wrong one may not know whether the incorrect answer resulted from a minor mathematical error or a more fundamental misunderstanding of the material. This primer of genetic analysis is designed to address some of these difficulties.

In order to help you build confidence in your grasp of the subject and in your ability to apply that knowledge, we start with an array of problems that test basic ideas. More complex problems then follow naturally. Most importantly, we have supplied all questions with detailed explanations of how to work them. You can therefore work at your own pace through the logical analysis. With this practice and some guidance on how to avoid common pitfalls, you will gain experience and confidence in your ability to solve problems in the major areas of genetics.

Each chapter begins with Study Hints, in which we suggest ways of organizing your approach to a topic or take you step-by-step through a problem-solving exercise.