Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
BB40128 The evolution of genetic systems |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX 60%, OT 15%, SM 25% |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take BB10007 and take BB20040 |
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and have A-level Mathematics (or equivalent units authorised by the Director of Studies).
Aims & Learning Objectives: 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. 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 * understand the operation of two locus recursion equations with application to modifier analysis * understand the methods for testing evolutionary hypotheses * understand basic concepts within evolutionary genetic and molecular evolution. 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. |