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BB40128: The evolution of genetic systems

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2015/6
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 1
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: EX 60%, OT 20%, SM 20%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Seminar (SM 20%)
  • Handout (OT 20%)
  • Examination (EX 60%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: Before taking this module you must take BB20040 and have A-level Mathematics (or equivalent).
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
To provide an introduction to mathematical population genetics and its application as regards understanding problems related to the organisation and structure of genetic systems.

Learning Outcomes:
After taking this course the student should be able to:
* demonstrate competence in the analysis of simple recursion equations as applied to one locus problems;
* explain the operation of two locus recursion equations with application to modifier analysis;
* explain the methods for testing evolutionary hypotheses;
* explain basic concepts within evolutionary genetic and molecular evolution.

Skills:
Learning and studying T/F/A, Written communication T/F/A, Oral communication T/F/A, Information handling & retrieval T/F/A, Working independently T/F.

Content:
The first four lectures provide an introduction to the mathematics of gene frequency change. This provides the basis for asking the following questions:
1) Why do organisms have sex? 2) What determines the mutation rate? and 3) Why are mutations recessive? After this the notion of selfish elements is introduced and their relevance to understanding the number of sexes and to genome structure is examined. Use of molecular evolutionary data comparative analysis and experimental tests of hypotheses are discussed.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

BB40128 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Year 4)
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences with Study year abroad (Year 5)
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2015/16 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2016/17 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2015/16.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.