Molecular Ecology
The application of molecular genetic methods to understand ecological and evolutionary processes.
Methods to investigate genetic variation.
Understanding molecular markers; how to choose the proper marker to study a particular problem.
Population genetics: genetic diversity, natural selection, genetic drift, population structure and gene flow.
Neutral and adaptive variation: ecologically important traits and local adaptions.
Phylogeography:
• Inferring historical processes that have shaped current distributions of species.
• Functional genetic approaches in natural populations.
• Conservation genetics: genetics of small populations.
• Conservation units, and how to preserve genetic diversity.
Laboratory exercises give an introduction to DNA, PCR, DNA sequencing and bioinformatics.
The subject is reserved for students of the following study programmes:
Biology, Bachelor's Programme
Nature Manegement, Bachelor's Programme
Master in Biosciences
MARBIO
This course will familiarize students with concepts of genetics and molecular markers in ecological studies and their applications to understand the genetic basis of adaptive traits, population structure and phylogeography, to identify adaptive and non-adaptive variation, and to aid conservation and management decision-making. Students are expected to acquire skills in design and interpretation of molecular ecology studies and in laboratory work in genetic analysis of samples. The course will develop students’ general competence in scientific literacy, academic presentations, group work, and peer-reviewing.
Knowledge
- be familiar with the molecular markers and techniques applied within molecular ecology
- know the basic characteristic of commonly used molecular markers
- have basic knowledge about the theoretical and practical developments of molecular ecology based on the increasing availability and scope of genetic markers
- know about the most relevant sources of information in the field
Skills
- be able to apply basic practical and analytical methods of molecular ecology, including laboratory techniques and bioinformatics tools, to specific problems
- be able to acquire updated knowledge within the field of molecular ecology
- be able to assess and discuss relevant studies within the field
General competence
- be able to identify problems that can be effectively addressed using molecular ecology approaches
- be able to choose the most appropriate molecular markers and techniques to study particular groups of organisms and ecological problems
- be able to convey essential topics, exchange experiences, and keep updated within the field of molecular ecology
In addition to the semester fee and curriculum literature, it is assumed that the student has a laptop with microphone and webcamera at his/her disposal.
Students from Steinkjer must cover their own expenses (travel, food, and accommodation) related to attending classes in Bodø.
The exam consists of:
- Group presentation (MU) - 20% of grade
- Lab reports (MA) - 20% of grade
- Written exam (SK) - 4 hours - 60% of grade
Pen, ruler and calculator.
Generating an answer using ChatGPT or similar artificial intelligence and submitting it wholly or partially as one's own answer is considered cheating
Prior knowledge equivalent to:
Molecular Cell Biology (equivalent to BI210F) and in Genetics and Evolution (equivalent to BI122F)