Faglig innhold

The course encompasses several aspects of evolutionary and ecological genetics focusing on case studies and data analysis. The course emphasizes the link between molecular and phenotypic analyses in the study of evolutionary processes in natural populations. A special focus is also made on linking evolutionary and ecological processes.

Molecular evolution:

• Population genetics
• Landscape genetics

Phenotypic evolution:

• Principles of natural selection and adaptive evolution
• Quantitative genetics
• Evolutionary ecology

Linking molecular and phenotypic evolution: case studies

• Genomics of adaptation, gene mapping, and population genomics.

Læringsutbytte

Knowledge

The candidate should be able to explain:

• Genetic mechanisms underlying evolutionary processes
• General principles in population genetics and quantitative genetics
• Basic theories of phenotypic selection and adaptive evolution
• How ecological and evolutionary processes interact and affect short- and long-term population viability.

Skills

The candidate should be able to:

• Use genetic data to estimate population genetic parameters and determine relatedness and individual fitness
• Estimate strength and direction of phenotypic selection and predict rate of evolution
• Analyze relatedness and molecular genetic data to determine the genetic basis for ecologically important phenotypic traits
• Read critically, interpret and judge results from studies at the intersection of evolution, genetics and ecology
• Plan studies in evolutionary and ecological genetics.

General competence

The candidate should be able to:

• Evaluate the importance of genetic and ecological processes for evolution in natural populations
• Judge and reflect on primary literature in evolutionary and ecological genetics
• Generate a written and/or oral presentation of results from quantitative studies
• Use the scientific method to answer key questions in evolutionary and ecological genetics.

Læringsformer og aktiviteter

Lectures, seminars, discussions, and data-labs.

The teaching is to a high degree based on active learning activities such as exercises/data-labs where the student will analyze data from empirical studies in evolutionary and ecological genetics. The course also includes writing reports and/or preparing and giving oral presentations. PhD-candidates who take the course BI8082 will need to present one or more topics as a lecture or seminar.

Compulsory assignments: Approved reports/presentations.

Obligatoriske aktiviteter

• Godkjent rapport

Anbefalte forkunnskaper

BI2017 Genetics and Evolution

Kursmateriell

- Conner, J. K. & Hartl, D. L. 2004. A Primer of Ecological Genetics. Oxford University Press (ISBN: 9780878932023).

- Lecture notes, compendia, and various scientific publications.

Studiepoengreduksjon