Course Description
As part of its weekly seminar series, the Department of Genetics regularly hosts visiting scholars in evolutionary genetics. In this course, students read and evaluate current literature in evolutionary genetics under the supervision of Genetics faculty and then meet and discuss the manuscript with the visiting scholar.
Athena Title
CURRENT EVOLUTION
Non-Traditional Format
Students will meet with faculty members on a regular basis.
Prerequisite
Permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory)
Course Objectives
Through supervised readings of current manuscripts and meetings with visiting evolutionary genetics faculty seminar speakers, successful graduate students will be exposed to current ideas in evolutionary genetics, be able to critically assess the scientific literature in evolutionary genetics and be able to interact with professional evolutionary geneticists.
Topical Outline
The topical outline depends on the particular faculty involved and the slate of visiting evolutionary geneticists. The class will typically meet about ten times per semester. In general, the class is run as follows: in preparation for an upcoming seminar visit, a faculty member will solicit from the visiting scholar an unpublished or recently published manuscript. The manuscript will be provided to students who will read the manuscript and participate in a supervised discussion of the manuscript with a faculty member. Students will attend the formal seminar. During his/her visit, the visiting evolutionary geneticist will meet with the students in class and discuss the manuscript in depth.