Entry requirements

120 credit and Molecular Evolution. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course the student should be able to:

• explain and evaluate different phylogenetic optimality criteria and choose the appropriate criterion to solve a given problem
• plan, carry out and evaluate a phylogenetic analysis as well as explain the different components.

Content

Phylogenetic trees and other models for evolutionary relationships. Optimality criteria for choice of hypothesis. Substitution models for DNA and other types of data. Super-trees, consensus trees, compatibility between trees. Algorithms for evaluation of the tree space; Markov Chain Monte Carlo, genetic algorithms. Evaluation of result of phylogenetic analyses, dating of phylogenies.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars and computer exercises.

Assessment

Written examination (3 credits), active participation in computer exercises and seminars (2 credits).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.