Overview
Theoretical and molecular population genetics. Evolution of genes and proteins and molecular aspects of biodiversity. Molecular evolutionary genetics of hominids. Molecular phylogenetics and phylogeography. Comparative genomics.
This 18-point 300-level paper is designed for students majoring in the biological sciences. Most of our students are Genetics majors, but the paper is relevant to those reading Anthropology, Biochemistry, Botany, Ecology, Law, Mathematics, Microbiology and Zoology. The central focus of the paper is the underlying genetic basis of population differentiation, adaptation and evolutionary change. The paper emphasises principles in population and evolutionary genetics, which are crucial to the interpretation of genomic data.
About this paper
| Paper title | Evolutionary Genetics |
|---|---|
| Subject | Genetics |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,243.65 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- Two of GENE 221, GENE 222, ZOOL 222
- Schedule C
- Science
- Notes
- In approved cases, another 200-level biological sciences paper may be substituted for one of GENE221, GENE222, ZOOL222.
- Contact
- More information link
- Teaching staff
Co-conveners:
Professor Jon Waters (Department of Zoology) and Dr Matt Larcombe (Department of Botany)
Other Teaching staff:
Professor David Orlovich (Department of Botany)
Professor Peter Dearden (Department of Biochemistry)
Dr Nic Rawlence (Department of Zoology)
Associate Professor Michael Knapp (Department of Anatomy)
- Paper Structure
The lecture course comprises the following topics:
- Phylogeography and conservation genetics
- Genetics and genomics of human evolution
- mtDNA, ancient DNA, demographics, phylogeny, ancestry testing
- Speciation genetics and hybridization
- Genome evolution
The lecture course is complemented by four formal lab classes. Students then develop a group research project, including the following phases: proposal, literature review, data collection, data analysis, and written and oral reporting.
- Teaching Arrangements
- There are six weeks of laboratory classes. Students then carry out their research projects, in teams, over the remainder of the paper.
- Textbooks
Recommended reading for GENE312 is:
Allendorf, FW et al 2022 Conservation and the Genetics of Populations (3rd edition 9780198856573). Wiley-Blackwell.
Additional readings from the primary scientific literature will be recommended.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- To develop a knowledge and understanding of the principles of evolutionary genetics
- All parts of the course contribute to this goal; we aim to increase conceptual understanding through discussion of material in both lecture and lab time
- To provide the basic skills for investigating the evolutionary genetics of plants and animals through the application of appropriate theoretical and molecular genetic techniques
- Three lab sessions provide these skills in the first weeks of the course, and include DNA, protein, morphological and in silico analyses of populations; computer labs are used for simulations, analyses, problems and bioinformatics
- To develop analytical and problem-solving skills
- Two tutorial sessions are given to provide practice at answering problems; worked answers are provided after you have had the chance to solve them the examination uses problems as an assessment medium; the exam is worth 60%
- To encourage critical assessment of scientific literature
- We use research papers in lectures as tools for reinforcing concepts we encourage critical interpretation of contents and we emphasise the scientific method additionally, you are expected to consider the relevant literature in your research project, particularly the literature review
- To develop the ability to ask a simple research question that is soluble through the application of skills learnt in practicals
- You are encouraged to think of a project for yourselves based on techniques learnt in the skills labs; a list of some possible projects is given; you are expected to develop an idea and design an experiment through reading, and talking with colleagues and staff; you will write a short research proposal and literature review which are worth a total of 15%; the project itself encourages teamwork in groups of 2-4
- To develop a knowledge and understanding of the principles of evolutionary genetics