Molecular Ecology

Timetable

Lectures 10h

Computer classes 12h

Seminars 8h

Module aim (aims)

During the course, you will learn how to use molecular biology and population genetics approaches to identify biodiversity and understand the processes that shape genetic variation in natural populations of living organisms. You will learn how to genetically assess the variability of a population, its condition, and its adaptive potential in changing environments using genetic approaches. For this purpose, you will familiarize yourself with the use of molecular ecology methods including the latest achievements in the field of molecular genetics and genomics. You will learn how to use this knowledge for effective management and protection of the species genomic resources. You will also learn about computational approaches and top examples of molecular ecology studies based on published research articles.

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

Syllabus

The course will apply lectures, discussion of case studies and practical classes, which will give you a broad perspective and a wide possibilities of using molecular ecology in the study of evolutionary and demographic processes that influence the history of populations and species.

Lectures (week 1-5) will cover the following major topics:

Molecular ecology - growing resources and perspectives

The application of methodological approaches and analytical methods in molecular ecology including evolutionary studies of species adaptive and neutral variation

Case studies of population history and evolutionary processes using molecular ecology approaches

Studies of population genetic variation in time and space including theoretical assumptions and computational approaches used in molecular ecology

Practical applications of molecular ecology research

Computer classes (week 6-10) - problem solving tasks with the application of computer programs and analytical approaches used in molecular ecology

Seminars (week 6-10) - presentation and discussion of scientific articles related to molecular ecology

research

Reading list

Those books maybe useful for you to familiarize with the topic

1) Molecular Ecology – 3^rd edition (2020). Authors: Joanna R. Freeland. Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

2) Molecular Population Genetics (2018). Author: Matthew Hahn. Sinauer Associates (Oxford

University Press)