Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Unit Catalogue 2009/10 |
BB40128: The evolution of genetic systems |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Masters |
| Period: | Semester 1 |
| Assessment:
| EX 60%, OT 15%, SM 25% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take BB10007 and take BB20040 |
| Description: | and have A-level Mathematics (or equivalent units authorised by the Director of Studies). 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. |