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; PEN-10503 Ecology I.

Contents:

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 gel-electrophoresis and focuses on its use for answering ecological and evolutionary questions. Mini-projects will be introduced in the second week. The mini-projects are organized in research teams, each consisting of 4-5 groups that will work on their own research questions centred around one of 6 overarching research topics.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- summarize and explain available molecular techniques for evolutionary/ecological research;
- design and carry out an experiment (mini research project) using molecular techniques to answer ecological question in evolutionary context;
- apply molecular methods for evolutionary/ecological research;
- evaluate the results of an experiment in the field of evolutionary and molecular ecology research;
- critically evaluate your own and other projects;
- present the results of the research project.

Activities:

- individually answer questions about the experiments of the first week;
- read and discuss literature with fellow students about the background of the projects;
- set up, carry out, analyse and discuss your own experimental research;
- attend research team meetings and discuss research set up, problems and progress;
- keep a laboratory notebook;
- write a lab report (see instructions in the course manual);
- take on role in research team, either;
- orally present research plan in week 3;
- orally present progress and problems in week 5;
- write introduction and edit abstract book contributions for your research team;
- chair the research team;
- give an oral presentation of research team results in the final symposium;
- attend organized presentations.

Examination:

- questions practical training week 1 (individual student) - 10%;
- observation of performance in Mini-project (2-3 students) - 50%;
- team role (2-3 students) - 10%;
- final team presentation (10 students) -10%;
- final group report (2-3 students) - 20%;
- partial marks remain valid only during the current course year.

Literature:

All material will be included in the course manual or will be handed out through Blackboard.