Evolutionary Genetics

COURSE OBJECTIVE
At the end of the course, the student

• is able to describe and explain the dynamic nature of genomes and the underlying molecular mechanisms in relation to molecular evolution
• can describe the regular mechanisms of transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation and how genetic variation can affect these processes in relation to new traits and adaptation
• can describe how natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and migration influence the genetic structure of populations and speciation
• is able to explain the basic concepts of population genetics and apply those mathematically
• can interpret and determine phylogenetic relationships and is able to use computer programs for the construction of phylogenetic trees
• is able to describe current hypotheses of 'the origin of life' and to discuss the evidence

COURSE CONTENT
To achieve the course objectives, the following topics will be discussed:

• Causes and mechanisms of genetic variation at nucleotide, gene, and chromosomal level
• Genome evolution in pro- and eukaryotes
• Horizontal DNA transfer
• Evolutionary consequences of genome evolution and sex
• Causes of Speciation
• Molecular evolution of viral and bacterial pathogens
• Origin of life models
• The use of bioinformatics and comparative genomics
• Population genetics: allele frequencies in relation to selection and genetic drift
• Use of genetic variation to examine stochastic and deterministic processes
• Application of simple mathematical rules to examine the behavior of alleles of one and two loci in ideal populations, and for genes with a quantitative effect.
• Reconstruction of phylogenetic trees using DNA sequences and cladistic computer programs
• Phylogeography
• Evolution - Development (Evo-Devo)

TYPE OF ASSESSMENT
Written exam; 80% of final grade
Literature presentation on Evolution-related subject; 20% of final grade

To pass, grades for both assessments should be ≥ 5,5

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Genetics, molecular genetics, and developmental biology

RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
Basic genetics and molecular biology

 REMARKS
This minor course requires a minimum of 20 participants to take place.