Course Description
An advanced course in evolutionary genetics combining both mathematical theory and primary literature and covering advanced topics in evolutionary genetics, such as population genetics, phylogenetics, and molecular evolution.
Athena Title
ADV EVOL GENETICS
Prerequisite
GENE 8150 and GENE 8150L
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This is the second in a sequence of graduate courses designed to provide students with a rigorous, mathematically-based study of evolutionary genetics. The successful student will be prepared to understand the current literature in the field of evolutionary genetics in depth and to use this knowledge to plan and execute research projects.
Topical Outline
1. Fitness components and life history evolution 2. Mating system evolution 3. Genetic drift (revisited). The coalescent 4. Mutation and neutral theory. 5. Nucleotide polymorphism and tests of neutrality 6. Gene genealogies. The molecular clock 7. Tests for selection 8. Molecular phylogenetics 9. Molecular phylogeography 10. Comparative genomics. Genome wide polymorphism 11. Species divergence. Speciation 12. Sex chromosomes. Sexual selection 13. Gene families. Transposable elements