Entry requirements

A degree of Bachelor including alt 1) 60 credit points in Biology and 30 credit points in Chemistry or Earth Science, alt 2) 90 credit points in Biology. In addition, knowledge corresponding to the course Ecology MN1 or Evolutionary genetics MN1 is required for both .

Learning outcomes

The course focuses on how the evolutionary processes and the evolutionary history is expressed in the different patterns observed in and among organisms, how these patterns can be detected and analysed, and conclusions drawn about their causes.

After the course, the student should be able

� explain the principles of, and apply methods for, detection and reconstruction of evolutionary patterns:

� discuss, and relate evolutionary patterns at different hierarchical levels to evolutionary processes:

� apply hypotheses about evolutionary patterns to explain, discuss and analyse evolutionary causalities:

� discuss and communicate principles, problems and research findings in issues that touch evolutionary patterns and explain and use evolutionary biological concepts;

� relate and apply chosen (combinations of) evolutionary biological techniques and methods.

Content

The course comprises studies of evolutionary patterns manifested at different hierarchical levels. The course comprises the following part

� The biological hierarchies and the evolutionary scene o Evolutionary units, central concepts; variation and emergent properties, mutation, recombination; homology, homoplasy, complex systems.

� Development patterns o Genotype, phenotype and adaptation at the molecular level; ontogeny, morphogenesis, genomic imprinting, modularity and homeobox genes; evolutionary constraints

� Anagenetisc patterns o Populations and metapopulations, functionial genomics; quantitative properties, form and homology; unequilibrium, allelic frequencies, coalescence.

o Methodology: microsatellites, SNP, QTL mapping, morphometry

� Phylogenetic patterns o Species concept � ontology and epistemology; phylogeny, phylogenetic analysis, substitution models, biological diversity and comparative methods.

o Methodology: DNA sequencing, phylogenetic analysis

� Introgressive patterns o Haploida, diploida and polyploida through, genome contents, genome organisation; horizontal gene transfer, genduplications, hybridisation; metagenomics.

o Methodology: micromatrices and comparative genome hybridisation.

� Spatial and temporal patterns o Biogeography, host parasite associations; fossil, paleontological models, stratigraphy and diversification and extinctions, date of phylogenies

Furthermore a project work in connection with research programmes on EBC is included. A seminar series elucidating evolutionary biology and evolutionary biological methods and applications.

Modules: Theory 7 credits; Laboratory practicals 4 credits; Projects 4 credits

Instruction

Lectures, laboratory practicals, seminars, computer exercises, literature assignments and project work. Participation in lab practicals, computer assignments and project work is compulsory.

Assessment

The theory part comprises a written examination (7 credits) and a seminar series that has compulsory attendance which is followed up in discussions. The laboratory practicals (4 credits) have compulsory attendance and are presented orally or in writing. The project work is presented orally and in a written report (4 credits).