Postgraduate Course: Molecular Tools for Plant and Fungal Diversity (PLSC11012)
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 | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course explores the current molecular genomic toolsets for exploring plant and fungal biodiversity from the population level to the broadest of evolutionary questions. The course develops analysis skills and the confidence to apply the right tool for the job in plant and fungal diversity questions. |
| Course description |
The course begins with an overview of plant and fungal DNA and genomes, an introduction to DNA extraction, and the theory behind sequencing. This is followed by their application in two key areas of plant and fungal diversity studies 1. Phylogenetics, which covers history of the field and the development of current methods of analysis and considers data types and data acquisition and formatting. It involves a mix of pen-and-paper and computer practicals for analysis of DNA data using parsimony, likelihood and Bayesian methods, trait evolution and ancestral state reconstruction, and molecular dating. It is taught using botanical examples. 2. Population genetics, covers DNA sequencing methods and molecular markers, DNA barcoding, conservation genetics, phylogeography, and the four evolutionary forces (mutation, migration, selection and drift), and HW equilibrium, plus analytical methods in population genetics.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2026/27, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 28,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 8,
Supervised Practical/Workshop/Studio Hours 80,
Feedback/Feedforward Hours 8,
Formative Assessment Hours 2,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
70 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Assignment 1 (10%) Data analysis investigation. Short-answer paper on comprehension of analytical paper [LO1, LO2].
Assignment 2 (30%) Population genetics exercise [LO1, LO2, LO3].
Assignment 3 (60%) Phylogenetics exercise [LO1, LO2, LO4]. |
| Feedback |
Assignment 1: Data analysis investigation - Written summative feedback for final grade
Assignment 2: Population genetics exercise - Written summative feedback for final grade
Assignment 3: Phylogenetics exercise - Written summative feedback for final grade |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of plant genome structure and content, and how changes affect plant morphology and evolution.
- Demonstrate extensive understanding of plant DNA sequences and markers for use in downstream analyses of plant taxonomy and evolution.
- Apply critical analytical techniques using a wide range of appropriate bioinformatics tools to carry out analyses of population structure and differentiation.
- Apply critical analytical techniques using a wide range of appropriate bioinformatics tools to carry out molecular phylogenetic analyses using DNA substitution models.
- Identify and apply appropriate analytical DNA techniques to questions in plant conservation, population genetics, taxonomy and phylogeography.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
This course develops and supports graduate mindsets, with a particular emphasis on Enquiry and lifelong learning, and Aspiration and personal development. It develops graduates who are comfortable exploring challenges in biodiversity questions and beyond, aware of how to find and apply the 'right tool for the job' in an appropriate way.
This course develops and supports graduate skills, with a particular emphasis on Research and enquiry; Personal and intellectual autonomy, and Personal effectiveness.
This course and its assessments emphasise skills development in: Analysis, Evaluation, Critical Analysis, Problem Solving, IT Skills and Autonomy. |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Alex Twyford
Tel: (0131 6)50 5455
Email: Alex.Twyford@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Madeleine Ferris
Tel: (0131 6)50 8649
Email: mferris@ed.ac.uk |
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