BIOL 683 - Genes to Genomes

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This is a combined lecture, paper discussion and hands-on computing course comprising four major sections that study the applications of evolutionary theory to the exploration and analysis of phenotypic and biological sequence data. We begin by building a sound conceptual basis for the theory of evolution, including an introduction to population genetics. Real biological sequence data is then introduced and used to illustrate and extend this theory. From here, the focus shifts to some major branches of current evolutionary research, introducing recent published work for each topic. During the last part of the course, students give presentations on a research topic in evolution of their choice. A term paper on this topic is required from each student at the end of the semester.
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: BIOL 142.