Postgraduate Course: Molecular Evolution (PGBI11082)
Course Outline
| School | School of Biological Sciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | This specialist course builds on lectures in population genetics in PGBI11001 and examines the use of modern molecular genetics methods to study evolution. There is a particular emphasis on applications to study the origins and evolution of human pathogens (bacteria and viruses). |
| Course description |
Session Topic
1 Introduction to Evolutionary Genetics.
2-3 Identifying the effects of natural selection on gene sequences.
4-6 Evolutionary genetics of bacteria. Horizontal gene transfer and the nature of bacterial species. The rates and timescale of bacterial evolution. Codon usage bias. The origins of pathogens, including E.coli and plague bacteria.
7-9 Evolutionary genetics of viruses. The rates and timescale of virus evolution. The origins and evolution of human viruses, including Herpesviruses, AIDS viruses, and Influenza viruses.
10: Conclusions.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Academic year 2017/18, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Block 4 (Sem 2) |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Lecture Hours 20,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
78 )
|
| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
60 %,
Coursework
40 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
| Feedback |
Not entered |
| Exam Information |
| Exam Diet |
Paper Name |
Hours & Minutes |
|
| Main Exam Diet S2 (April/May) | Molecular Evolution | 1:30 | |
Learning Outcomes
| On successfully completing the course, students will have gained an understanding of how molecular evolutionary analysis can be applied to gain insights into the origins and evolution of microbes, including bacteria and viruses.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Keywords | ME |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Prof Paul Sharp
Tel:
Email: |
Course secretary | Mrs Jennifer Morris
Tel: (0131 6)50 5513
Email: |
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