- BIOL 1410: Evolutionary Genetics (Even
years only)
Instructor: David Rand
David_Rand@Brown.edu
Time and Place: Course Schedule
This course will focus on selected topics in molecular population genetics,
molecular evolution and comparative genomics. We will begin by building a foundation
of population genetics knowledge that underlies the basic principles of evolutionary
genetics. Population genetics is the study of genetic variation within and
between populations, and incorporates mathematical models of how to infer evolutionary
processes from patterns of genetic variation. Population genetics has direct
relevance to the genetics of human disease, the action of evolutionary forces
(natural selection, mutation, migration, genetic drift, recombination), the
processes of speciation, and ecological and conservation genetics. To illustrate
these simple mathematical models, we will draw on classical and recent literature
describing the patterns and processes of DNA sequence variation in natural
populations of Drosophila, plants, and humans. In the second half of the course
we will focus on the evolution of DNA and proteins and molecular systematics,
and bring in recent insights from the many genome projects that are underway.
A unifying theme throughout the course will be statistical tests of the neutral
theory of molecular evolution.
There are two main formats for the course: 1)
a lecture and discussion component in which we will cover material in the textbook
and dissect papers from the primary literature, and 2) a laboratory component
where we will introduce molecular and computational methods used in some of
the research that is ongoing in Prof. Rand's lab. Ultimately, the data from
the labs will be combined into a group research project to test specific hypotheses
about which genes have responded to thermal selection. Problem sets and lab
reports will be assigned throughout the semester that involve worked problems
or computer analyses of data sets using several recently published software
packages. A final term paper in the form of a grant proposal will provide students
with an opportunity to describe an integrated plan for future research related
to some of the papers or laboratory projects we covered during the semester.
The course has a limited enrollment. As a result we will not tolerate
any boneheads, weasels, sliders or other academic waste products. If you are
given permission to take this course, it is expected that you meet very high
standards of performance and participation. This will not be a pleasant
course for students who do not have a high level of motivation for basic research
and an insatiable curiosity about the genetic basis of evolutionary change. Permission
will be granted to students based on previous courses taken: preferred: Bio 47
and Bio 48; acceptable: Bio 47 or Bio 48; on individual case basis with other
Bio courses (Bio 42, 53, 105, etc.). Priority will be given to Juniors and Seniors
who will not have another chance to enroll in the class before they graduate. For more information view the Course Catalog.
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