Postgraduate Course: Molecular Evolution and Evolutionary Quantitative Genetics (PGBI11121)
Course Outline
| School | School of Biological Sciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | The first half of the course covers the evolutionary genetics of human pathogens. It shows how
molecular evolutionary analyses have shed light on the origins and evolution of various
important human disease agents, with implications for their control and/or treatment. The
second half covers the application of quantitative genetic analyses to key questions in the
evolution of natural populations, with the aim of dissecting the processes of natural selection,
microevolution within populations, and the maintenance of genetic diversity.
Please note that this course may not run if enrolment is less than minimum of 6 students. |
| Course description |
Session Topic
1 Introduction: evolution of malaria parasites
2 Evolution of measles viruses and herpesviruses
3 Evolution of AIDS viruses
4. Evolution of influenza viruses
5. Evolutionary genetics of pathogens. Conclusions
6. The Price Equation
7. Univariate phenotypic selection
8. Multivariate phenotypic selection
9. Multivariate phenotypic evolution
10. Maintenance of genetic variation and phenotypic plasticity
|
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- To gain an understanding of how molecular evolutionary analysis can be applied to gain insights into the origins and evolution of microbes, including bacteria and viruses.
- To gain an understanding of the use of quantitative genetic concepts to address key questions in evolutionary biology relating to the study of natural populations.
|
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
SCQF Level 11, Characteristic 3. Generic Cognitive Skills:
Apply critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis to forefront issues.
Identify, conceptualise and define new and abstract problems and issues.
Develop original responses to problems and issues.
Extend knowledge, skills, practices and thinking in the subject.
Deal with complex issues and make informed judgements in situations in the absence of
complete or consistent information.
SCQF Level 11, Characteristic 4. Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills:
Communicate with peers, more senior colleagues and specialists.
Use ICT applications to support and enhance work at this level and adjust features to suit
purpose.
Undertake critical evaluations of a wide range of numerical and graphical data.
SCQF Level 11, Characteristic 5. Autonomy, Accountability and Working with Others:
Exercise substantial initiative in professional and equivalent activities.
Take responsibility for own work.
Practise in ways which draw on critical reflection on own and others' roles and
responsibilities.
Manage complex ethical and professional issues and make informed judgements on issues
not addressed by current professional and/or ethical codes or practices. |
| Keywords | Evolution,genetics,quantitative |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Jacob Moorad
Tel: (0131 6)50 5442
Email: Jacob.Moorad@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mrs Claire Black
Tel: (0131 6)50 8637
Email: Claire.Black@ed.ac.uk |
|
|
University Homepage