Module Specification |
| The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module. |
| Title | CURRENT SKILLS AND TOPICS IN EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY | ||
| Code | LIFE324 | ||
| Coordinator |
Miss RS Jones School of Life Sciences Rebecca.Jones2@liverpool.ac.uk |
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| Year | CATS Level | Semester | CATS Value |
| Session 2016-17 | Level 6 FHEQ | Second Semester | 15 |
Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements): |
| LIFE213 |
Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite: |
Co-requisite modules: |
Linked Modules: |
Teaching Schedule |
| Lectures | Seminars | Tutorials | Lab Practicals | Fieldwork Placement | Other | TOTAL | |
| Study Hours |
13 This refers to timetabled lectures that introduce core principles |
3 This refers to three timetabled seminars in which selected areas will be explored in more detail |
1 This refers to a small group tutorial to discuss and give guidance on the in-course essay topic |
8 This refers to timetabled sessions in the computer suite |
25 | ||
| Timetable (if known) | |||||||
| Private Study | 125 | ||||||
| TOTAL HOURS | 150 | ||||||
Assessment |
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| EXAM | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
| Unseen Written Exam | 120 | Semester 2 | 60 | Yes | Written Examination | |
| CONTINUOUS | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
| Coursework | 1500 words | Semester 2 | 15 | Yes | Standard UoL penalty applies | Essay |
| Coursework | 800 words + two figu | Semester 2 | 20 | Yes | Standard UoL penalty applies | Phylogeny transaction paper |
| Coursework | equivalent to 500 wo | Semester 2 | 5 | Yes | Standard UoL penalty applies | Phylogenetic analysis exercises Notes (applying to all assessments) Assessment 4 is done partly in class and partly out of class. Assessment 3 is a written report which includes two Figures and a statistical analysis of data, and a discussion. Students collect and align the sequence of the data from a data bank. |
Aims |
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To develop in students the skills to construct phylogenetic trees and to use them to infer the evolutionary origins of novel traits, using the latest software packages To encourage students to explore key concepts in contemporary evolutionary biology
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Learning Outcomes |
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To construct, graphically display and critically evaluate phylogenetic trees from phenotypic characters and DNA sequences |
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To use phylogenetic trees to generate and test hypotheses about the evolutionary history of selected traits, and detect molecular signatures of selection within nucleotide or amino acid sequence |
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To critically evaluate theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence relating to a selection of current research themes in evolutionary biology |
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Teaching and Learning Strategies |
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Lecture - This refers to timetabled lectures that introduce core principles |
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Seminar - This refers to three timetabled seminars in which selected areas will be explored in more detail |
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Workshops - This refers to timetabled sessions in the computer suite |
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Tutorial - This refers to a small group tutorial to discuss and give guidance on the in-course essay topic |
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Syllabus |
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| 1 |
Reconstructing evolutionary history: (i) Phylogenetic analysis – how to reconstruct the phylogeny of a sub-set of mammals using mitochondrial DNA gene sequences, then use an expanded mammalian tree to reconstruct the evolution of a trait, e.g. diving and associated amino acid changes in haemoglobin
(ii) Walking with dinosaurs – reconstructing form and function in dinosaurs
Coevolution across the parasitism-mutualism continuum:
(i) Beneficial symbionts
(ii) Parasites
(iii) Plant-insect interactions
Evolution with non-Mendelian inheritance:
(i) Selfish genetic elements
(ii) Epigenetics Module material will be delivered through standard lectures, seminars with
structured discussions, and in computer workshops where students are instructed on and practice the construction and analysis of phylogenetic trees. Independent learning will be supported by materials on VITAL (such as lecture handouts and links to research papers) and other web-based resources. There will be an emphasis on describing and critically discussing the cutting edge of knowledge in selected fields, hence students will be expected to prepare themselves for and contribute to the discussions in the seminars. To support this, students will be directed to suitable reading material (such as research papers and reviews). Formative assessment exercises will test knowledge and ability to solve problems, such as their ability to construct and inter
pret phylogenetic trees. Feedback will be provided during the workshops. |
Recommended Texts |
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Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module. Explanation of Reading List: There is no single key text, but students will be directed to current research literature.
Hall, B.G. (2011) Phylogenetic trees made easy (4th Ed). Sinauer, Sunderland, MA. |
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