Evolution and Molecular Systematics

Cod y Modiwl: BR21720
Teitl y Modiwl: Evolution and Molecular Systematics
Blwyddyn Academaidd: 2027/2028
Semester: Semester 1
Cyd-gysylltydd y Modiwl: Professor Luis Mur
Rhestr Ddarllen: Gweld ar Aspire
Staff Eraill sy'n Cyfrannu: Professor Luis Mur; Dr Ruth Wonfor; Dr Joe Ironside; Dr Ifat Shah

Dulliau Asesu

Math o Asesiad	Manylion Asesiad	Cyfran
Asesiad Semester	Population Genetics Workshop.: Analysis and modelling of population genetics information. Introduction to genetic data retrieval from databases and analysis. 1600 Words	40%
Arholiad Semester	Exam: 2 Awr	60%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Population Genetics Workshop.: Analysis and modelling of population genetics information. Introduction to genetic data retrieval from databases and analysis. 1600 Words	40%
Arholiad Ailsefyll	Supplementary Exam: 2 Awr	60%

Canlyniadau Dysgu

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

Independently demonstrate retained knowledge of the principles of evolution.
Appreciate the application of modern molecular techniques to the study of evolution.
Be able to manipulate and interpret data, and solve problems relating to basic population genetics, and molecular clocks.
Discuss the relevance of phylogenetic methods and their use in elucidating the evolution relationships between taxa in a range of situations.
Select and use appropriate resources and software tools for processing genomic information, determining sequence homologies in relation to evolutionary relationships.

Disgrifiad cryno

This course will provide the theoretical background for understanding the theory of evolution. The evidence supporting evolution will be discussed and include a consideration of morphological, paleontological, and genetic evidence. Possible mechanism of speciation will be considered genetic evidence for evolution will involve an introduction to population genetics, genome comparisons and the use of molecular clocks. Human evolution will be examined in detail showing how fossil and molecular data can be used to gain insight into evolutionary trends and drivers. The population genetics aspects of this module will be supported by a computer-based workshop.

Cynnwys

The lectures will cover the following topics
What is Evolution?
Evidence for Evolution:
Paleontological evidence
Speciation Mechanisms
Modeling Evolution: Population genetics
The principles of tree construction in phylogenetics
The use of genomic data to reveal phylogenetic relationships.
Case Study: Human Evolution

The lectures will be complemented by an extensive practical programme:

A paper-based workshop will investigate how gene changes in a population can be modeled. This will focus on the impact of disease on key allele within a human population;

Three computer workshops will establish skills allowing the retrieval of information from biological databases and their use in phylogenetic analyses.

Sgiliau Modiwl

Math o Sgiliau	Manylion Sgiliau
Cyfathrebu	Students will develop effective listening skills for the lectures. Students will develop effective written communication skills in practical class write-ups. Feedback on this will be provided with returned assignment.
Datrys Problemau	Students will develop skills in lectures. Practicals will be designed to allow students to gain experience in extracting and interpreting data. Feedback on will be provided with the returned assignment.
Gwella dysgu a pherfformiad ei hun	Student’s ability to devise and monitor time management, learning and performance skills throughout module via attending lectures and practical classes.
Rhifedd	Students will have opportunity to collect and interpret data in practical classes with respect to quality and quantity. This will include the Application of statistically-based web tools for analysis of sequence data to derive phylogenetic trees. Feedback on this will be provided with the returned assignment.
Sgiliau pwnc penodol	Accessing, assimilating and storing information via remote computer servers.
Sgiliau ymchwil	Practical classes will develop skills in the extractions and analysis of data from web-accessible databases and the critical evaluation of data. Feedback will be provided with returned assignments.
Technoleg Gwybodaeth	Students will develop skills in accessing the web for information sources and free software for phylogenetic analysis and data display.

Nodau

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 5