Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Unit Catalogue 2010/11 |
BB40134: Molecular evolution and phylogenetics |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Masters |
| Period: | This unit is available in... |
| Semester 1 |
| Assessment:
| ES 20%, EX 60%, OT 20% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take BB20023 |
| Description:
| Aims: To outline current understanding of the types and mechanisms (modes and modality) of molecular evolution. To outline how scientists can infer and interpret evolutionary relationships using molecular data and how this process is both informed by and informs our understanding of molecular evolution. Learning Outcomes: After taking this course the student should be able to: * explicate how new genes and genetic variations can be created and fixed in a lineage. * explain what horizontal gene transfer is, how it can occur and what effects it can have. * give a detailed explanation of what rates of genetic variation are, why there are different rates and what effects this can have on molecular evolution. * explain what phylogenetic inference is, how molecular sequence data can be used for this, and critically interpret phylogenetic trees. * describe the theories, methodologies and practical applications of the most common methods of polygenetic inference (distance, parsimony, maximum likelihood). * expound on what the major methodological and biological considerations/limitations are in phylogenetic inference and some of the approaches to accommodate/correct for these. * explain the most common methods to assess confidence in phylogenetic inferences. Skills: Learning and studying T/F/A, Written communication T/F/A, Information technology T/F/A, Information handling & retrieval T/F/A, Working independently T/F. Content: Selectionist and neutralist theories of evolution. Gene creation. Genetic maintenance and mutation. Horizontal gene transfer. Molecular phylogenetics in perspective. Phylogenetic trees and their interpretation. Obtaining and assessing phylogenetically informative characters. Modifying models of evolution. Common methods of inference. Assessing confidence for inferences. Methodological considerations/limitations. Considerations/limitations due to the nature of molecular evolution. Examples. |