Entry requirements

120 credits inclusive Methods in bioinformatics and genomics - experimental methods, Genome Biology

Learning outcomes

The course will give the student knowledge about molecular evolutionary processes, knowledge and skills in phylogenetic analysis and how this can be used to study (molecular) evolution.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• describe evolutionary process at the molecular level
• apply molecular methods to study genetic variation within and between species
• explain and justify different models of sequence evolution
• explain and evaluate different phylogenetic optimality criteria, and select adequate criterion to solve a given problem
• sketch and apply the process to do and evaluate a phylogenetic analysis , and explain the different steps
• select and apply, for the problem area, existing software on a given biological problem

Content

Mutational processes, evolution of mutation rates, evolution of DNA sequences, the molecular clock, selection and genetic drift on the molecular level, nucleotide composition, polymorphism and SNPs.

Phylogenetic trees and other models, optimality criteria for selecting phylogenetic hypothesis. Substitution models for DNA and other data types. Super trees, consensus trees, tree compatibility. Algorithms for evaluating the tree space; Markov Chain Monte Carlo, genetic algorithms. Evaluation of results from phylogentic analyses, phylogenetic dating.

Instruction

Instruction will be given as lectures and computer assignments.

Assessment

To pass the course it is required that all computer exercises equivalent to 4 credits and project assignment equivalent to 2 credits has been presented in writing and is passed. The theory part is examined by a written examination equivalent to 4 credits.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.