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BIO9200 - Molecular evolution

Course content

The focus of the course is on the evolution of DNA and gene products, the application of genetic data in evolutionary and ecological studies of various organisms, and on the evolution and organisation of the eukaryote genome. The course includes (1) a theoretical introduction to the main processes creating genetic variation (e.g. mutations, recombination, gene conversion, gene duplication, transposition, horizontal gene transfer), as well as processes of evolutionary change (genetic drift and selection); (2) an introduction to important statistical tools for inference of current and past population processes and of evolutionary history based on genotype and DNA-sequence data (e.g. F-statistics, neutrality tests, coalescence statistics, and phylogenetic reconstruction); (3) an overview of the organisation and evolution of the eucaryote genome. In addition, the course includes practical training in standard molecular genetic techniques (e.g. DNA-isolation, sequencing and genotyping), basic bioinformatics (e.g. BLAST-search, primer-design and sequence alignment), and evolutionary bio-statistics (population genetics and phylogeny).

Learning outcomes

The students shall achieve a general understanding of the main principles for the evolution of DNA and gene products and how genetic data can be applied to scientific problems in evolutionary and population biology. The students shall achieve practical skills in molecular and analytic methods.

Admission

Contact the student administration office if you want to follow this course.

Prerequisites

No obligatory prerequisites beyond the minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway.

Overlap

10 credits against BIO4200 - Molecular Evolution.

Teaching

Lectures throughout the semester and two intensive weeks with molecular lab/computer lessons (week 46-47).

Exam information

Approved lab reports, passed/not passed. The lab reports can be continuated before the final exam. The students must also present a paper to the class and lead a discussion on the topic. Final written exam with pass/fail grading. 3 hours.

This subject offer new examination in the beginning of the
subsequent term for candidates who withdraw during an ordinary examination or fail an ordinary examination. For general information about new examination, see here

Assessment and grading

Students are awarded either a passing or a failing grade. Read more about the grading system .

An external auditor regularly evaluates the academic quality of the course, including the form of exam used on the course.

Explanations and appeals

Students can request an explanation of their grades, and can also appeal against their grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals

Exam options for students with special needs

Students may apply for access to alternative exam resources or exam forms on the basis of chronic illness and/or special needs that create a marked disadvantage to other students in the exam situation. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.

Evaluation of this course

Feedback from our students is essential to us in our efforts to ensure and further improve the high quality of our programmes and courses. As a student at the University of Oslo you will therefore be asked to participate in various types of evaluation of our courses, facilities and services. All courses are subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students on a particular course to participate in a more comprehensive, in-depth evaluation of this course, a so called "periodic evaluation".

Periodic evaluation Autumn 2011.

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