THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2017/2018

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Biological Sciences : Postgraduate

Postgraduate Course: Molecular Evolution (PGBI11082)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Biological Sciences CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits10 ECTS Credits5
SummaryThis 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).
PLEASE NOTE: This course may not run unless minimum of 5 assessed students enrol.
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.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed Population and Quantitative Genetics (PGBI11001)
Co-requisites Students MUST also take: Molecular Phylogenetics (PGBI11035)
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2017/18, Available to all students (SV1) 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 Evolution1:30
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.
Reading List
None
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Not entered
KeywordsME
Contacts
Course organiserProf Paul Sharp
Tel:
Email:
Course secretaryMrs Jennifer Morris
Tel: (0131 6)50 5513
Email:
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