We will cover aspects of evolutionary biology, with a focus on evolutionary ecology and genomics. Each week, there will be an introductory lecture, followed by a paper discussion.

1. Adaptive and non-adaptive evolution (BV):
a. Deleterious and beneficial mutations
b. Origin of new genes and functions

2. Evolution of non-coding sequences (BV):
a. Genome size evolution and complexity
b. Transposable elements and non-coding RNAs

3. Speciation (BV)

4. Evolution of sociality and cooperation (SC)

5. Sexual selection and the evolution of dimorphic traits (SC)

6. Host parasite interactions and symbioses (SC)

Target group: The course is primarily aimed at students with a molecular biology background who are interested in molecular and organismal evolution, but students from other fields are welcome.

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Evaluation: Every week, students will write a short essay on a selected paper. Each student will also present an article to the rest of the class once during the course. There is no additional exam

Teaching format: Each week, there will be an introductory lecture, followed by a paper discussion.

ECTS: 3 Year: 2020

Track segment(s):
BIO-EVO Biology - Evolutionary and Population Biology

Teacher(s):
Sylvia Cremer Beatriz Vicoso

Teaching assistant(s):

If you want to enroll to this course, please click: REGISTER