BIO321 Population Genetics and Molecular Evolution

Credits (ECTS):10

Course responsible:Hans Magnus Gjøen

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Engelsk

Course frequency:Annually

Nominal workload:

250 hours

Lectures: 24 hours. Exercises and discussions of papers: 24 hours. Individual study/colloquiums: 202 hours.

Teaching and exam period:This course starts in Autumn parallel. This course has teaching/evaluation in Autumn parallel, .

About this course

Topics: Genetic Variation, The Hardy-Weinberg Principle, Recombination, Linkage and Disequilibrium, Basic Models for Natural Selection, Mutation, Genetic Drift, Inbreeding, Non-random mating, Population subdivision and Gene Flow, Molecular Population Genetics, Molecular Evolution, and Phylogenetics. Advanced Models for Natural Selection and Quantitative Genetics.

Learning outcome

KNOWLEDGE

Students will:

acquire a thorough understanding of population genetics
be able to describe effects of population genetic forces on evolution and how it can be detected in molecular data
understand the dynamics of the evolutionary changes that happen at the molecular level
be able to explain the evolutionary forces and the evolutionary effects of different molecular mechanisms on genomes, genes and gene products
gain theoretical insight in methods used in comparative and phylogenetic analyses based on molecular data

SKILLS:

Students will be able to:

test for the effects of evolutionary forces affecting allele and gene frequencies
use a critical approach towards the interpretation of population genetic and evolutionary molecular data
understand cutting edge research articles on the subject

GENERAL COMPETENCES

Students will acquire:

practical skills in methods used in comparative and phylogenetic analyses based on molecular data
understanding of the dynamics resulting in evolutionary changes in allele and genotype frequencies

Learning activities
Lectures. Exercises and discussions of papers. Two compulsory assignments/computer exercises have to be handed in. Calculations/colloquia orgainzed by students.
Teaching support
Canvas will be used actively to distribute information and links to computer programs, websites and data.
Prerequisites
BIO120 - Introduction to Genetics, MATH100 - Introductory Mathematics, STAT100 - Statistics.
Recommended prerequisites
BIO211 - Molecular Biology, BIO220 - Eukaryotic Molecular Biology /BIO200 Molecular Genetics in Eukaryots, BIO223 Molecular Ecology and Evolution
Assessment method
Oral examination counts 100%.

Oral exam Grading: Letter grades Permitted aids: A1 No calculator, no other aids
Examiner scheme
An examiner will take part in the oral examination
Mandatory activity
Compulsory assignments must be approved before the student can attend the final oral examination.
Teaching hours
Lectures: 2 hours per week for 12 weeks. Exercises: 2 hours per week for 12 weeks.
Admission requirements
Special requirements in Science