course-details-portlet

BI2017 - Genetics and Evolution

About

Examination arrangement

Examination arrangement: School exam
Grade: Letter grades

Evaluation Weighting Duration Grade deviation Examination aids
School exam 100/100 4 hours C

Course content

The course covers different aspects of evolutionary genetics including population genetics (Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, Fst, Inbreeding, linkage disequilibrium), evolutionary quantitative genetics (Lande equation, phenotypic plasticity, multivariate evolution), phylogenetic analyses (building and using phylogenetic tree), adaptation (optimality models, comparative analyses, life history evolution), genetics of speciation (DMB incompatibility, outbreeding depression, reinforcement). Simple statistical models used in evolutionary biology are also presented.

During the course, emphasis is placed on issues related to conservation biology and biodiversity, such as genetic and evolutionary rescue.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

  • understand and explain fundamental concepts and terminology in the field of evolutionary genetics.
  • have a good understanding of central concepts in population and quantitative genetics.
  • understand the basic scientific methods, including data analysis, used in population genetics and quantitative genetics and carry out simple analyses using empirical data.
  • interpret results from studies in population and quantitative genetics.
  • reflect on the outcome of studies in evolutionary biology on a general level and evaluate their biological significance, particularly in the context of conservation biology.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, discussions (ca. 32 hours), exercises (ca. 18 hours). During the exercises students analyse data and interpret results from studies in evolution. The analytical part is performed using R. For the obligatory semester assignment, groups of ca. 5 students analyse data from existing research projects and present orally the research question, the method used, the results, and their interpretation.

Compulsory assignments

  • Semester assignemnt

Further on evaluation

In the case of 'fail' or 'retake', the final written examination needs to be taken again. The written exam can be changed to an oral exam in the semester when the course is not taught.

Appeals for reassessment apply to the final written examination

Course materials

- Futuyma, DJ. & Kirkpatrick, M. 2022. Evolution. Sinauer (ISBN: 9781605357409).

- Lecture notes, compendia, and various scientific publications.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From To
BI2011 3.7 AUTUMN 2008
BI2040 3.7 AUTUMN 2008
More on the course

No

Facts

Version: 1
Credits:  7.5 SP
Study level: Intermediate course, level II

Coursework

Term no.: 1
Teaching semester:  AUTUMN 2024

Language of instruction: English

Location: Trondheim

Subject area(s)
  • Ethology
  • Biodiversity
  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Cell Biology
  • Ecology
Contact information
Course coordinator: Lecturer(s):

Department with academic responsibility
Department of Biology

Timetable

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Examination

Examination arrangement: School exam

Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
Autumn ORD School exam 100/100 C INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
Spring ORD School exam 100/100 C INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
  • * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
Examination

For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"

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