GEN-20306 Molecular and Evolutionary Ecology

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Basic knowledge on evolution, genetics, ecology and molecular biology: GEN-11306 Evolution and Systematics; GEN-11806 Fundamentals of Genetics and Molecular Biology; NCP-10503 Ecology I.

Contents:

Note: This course has a maximum number of participants. The deadline for registration is one week earlier than usual. See 2014/2015 Academic Year (www.wageningenur.nl/en/Education-Programmes/Current-Students/Agenda-Calendar-Academic-Year.htm) -> Registration for courses 2014-2015.

The application of molecular techniques and evolutionary concepts for ecological research is illustrated and applied in a personal experimental research project. The course starts with a practical training in molecular techniques like DNA isolation, RFLP and PCR analysis and gelelectrophoresis. Miniprojects will be introduced in the second week. The largest part of the course (five weeks) is focussed on experimental research in the field of molecular and evolutionary ecology by each group of two/three students in the research labs of Entomology, Phytopathology or Genetics under guidance of an experienced researcher. At each location the groups of students will have a weekly discussion about literature related to the mini-project.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course students are expected to be able to:
- apply the available molecular techniques and use methods for evolutionary ecological research;
- discuss the evolutionary aspects of ecological research;
- set up, carry out and analyse a personal experiment in the field of evolutionary and molecular ecology research;
- compose and perform an oral and written presentation about their research.

Activities:

- write a report (individual) about the experiments of the first week;
- read and discuss literature with fellow students;
- set up, carry out, analyse and discuss your own experimental research;
- write a report in the format of a 'publication';
- give an oral presentation of your research results (power point);
- attend organized presentations (Guest speakers, additional information to be announced via MyPortal.

Examination:

- report week 1 (5%);
- literature discussion (5%);
- excursion (5%);
- mini project (50%);
- final report (20%);
- final presentation (15%).

Literature:

Articles for the literature discussions are included in the manual or will be handed out. Further recommended reading:
Griffiths. [et al] . (2011). An Introduction to Genetic Analysis. 10th ed. Published W.H. Freeman & Company, 2011. ISBN: 1429276347.
JC Avise. 2004. Molecular Markers, Natural History, and Evolution. 2nd ed. Published Sinauer Associates. 684p. ISBN: 0878930418.