The latter topic is related to the Human Genome Diversity Project. Students also learn quantitative techniques in evolutionary genetics. Through the use of modern phylogenetic software packages, students will learn how to reconstruct evolutionary histories of organisms. Topics include models of cladogenesis, coalescence, models of DNA substitution, estimating rates of change, likelihood estimation of phylogeny, Bayesian inference of phylogeny, distance and parsimony methods, bootstrap hypothesis testing using phylogenies, testing the molecular clock, testing cospeciation, examining the fit of models of DNA substitution, and uses of Markov chain Monte Carlo for phylogeny inference. Course centers on genetic approaches to developmental questions.
Students examine current literature and partake in active discussions.
Topics include content and arrangement of DNA sequences in the genome, structure of specific genes, RNA synthesis and processing, and the structure and composition of chromatin and chromosomes. Molecular mechanisms of maintenance, propagation, and expression of genetic material. Experimental approaches to the understanding of these processes is emphasized and students read the original research literature. Examines animal behavior from an ecological and evolutionary perspective. Topics include social organization, mating systems, foraging, animal learning, and aggression.