Molecular ecology and evolution, 15 Credits

Contents

This course offers an overview of ecological and evolutionary processes in natural populations, and how they can be studied with molecular methods. The course introduces fundamental concepts and principles in population genetics, meta-genomics, and landscape genetics for a better understanding of the forces operating in natural systems. Students gain insight into the use of common molecular methods, their strengths and limitations for ecological coupling. Specific topics include detection of genetic variation within and among populations, speciation, selection and local adaptation, environmental DNA (eDNA) assays, and biological conservation. This course takes account of the technology breakthroughs achieved in recent years to give students an updated guide to the increasingly use of molecular data in ecological studies and environmental monitoring.

The course consists of lectures, literature seminars, DNA lab exercise, computer simulations, data exercises, and independent projects where students use empirical and simulation data to infer the distribution of genetic diversity at genome, population and community levels. Students will analyze environmental DNA datasets to study ecological problems related to environmental changes. e.g. climate warming, local pollution, introduction of invasive species.

The course is divided into two modules:

Module 1, Theory: Evolutionary genetics and conservation (5 ECTS): This module introduces genetic theory, methods and interpretation of molecular data that are fundamental for ecological, genetic and evolutionary applications. This part is divided into two sections: 1) population genetic diversity and speciation, and 2) phylogeography and conservation. Participation in computer exercises, literature seminars and project assignments are compulsory.

Module 2, Project: eDNA for biodiversity research (10 ECTS):

This module focuses on the application of environmental DNA techniques in environmental monitoring, to track and characterize biodiversity in natural systems. This module consists a series of lectures, computer exercises and projects. Students gain insights into the principles and workflow of environmental DNA assay, from experimental design to data interpretation (section 1). Students conduct practical work (sampling, DNA extraction and PCR), and computer exercises (bioinformatics and data analysis (section 2). Students work in groups on topics related to the application of environmental DNA approaches to study the biodiversity of terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems and present their findings (section 3). Participation in sampling, lab work, computer exercises and project assignments are compulsory.

Expected learning outcomes

After completion of the course, students with grade Passed (G) should be able to:

Module 1, Theory

ELO 1. Evaluate how genetic variation is detected and evaluated within and among individuals, populations and species.

ELO 2. Explain the ecological importance of genetic variation for, e.g. speciation, adaptation to different environments, and ecosystem dynamics.

ELO 3. Understand fundamental evolutionary processes and carry out basic computer simulations to evaluate the impact of evolutionary forces on population dynamics.

ELO 4. Apply genetic concepts in conservation programs.

Module 2, Project

ELO 5. Work with different kinds of biological databases.

ELO 6. Design experiments using environmental DNA methods to answer specific research questions related to biodiversity and environmental changes.

ELO 7. Use basic methods in molecular biology, bioinformatics and sequence data analysis to characterize diversity in environmental DNA.

ELO 8. Summarize and communicate experimental findings through literature review, lab report, and student seminars to demonstrate their knowledge orally and in written form.

After completion of the course, students with the grade Passed with distinction (VG) should be able to:

ELO 9. Critically evaluate scientific literature and construct their own scientific arguments within the areas of the course.

ELO 10. Independently and critically evaluate the use of molecular methods to investigate theoretical and practical questions within the fields of ecology, evolution, and conservation biology.

Required Knowledge

Univ: 120 ECTS including 60 ECTS in Biology or Molecular biology, 30 ECTS of these 60 ECTS should be in Ecology and/or Genetics, or equivalent knowledge.
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.
Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

Instruction is given in the form of lectures, practical works, computer exercises, and literature seminars. Practical works, computer labs and seminars are compulsory. Students are required to read on their own in both modules of the course. Problem oriented learning methods are practiced in some sections.

Examination modes

The first module of the course is assessed through data exercise reports, literature seminars and individual project presentations for each section separately. The second module is assessed via a written exam about the knowledge acquired to conduct the environmental DNA workflow, and a project report and presentation. The grades assigned for each module and for the whole course are Failed (U), Passed (G) and Passed with distinction (VG).

To pass the entire course, a pass grade must be obtained on all examinations and obligatory exercises of all sections in each module. To obtain a Pass with distinction on the whole course, students must attain Passed with distinction on both modules. All examinations are taken individually. The final grade is a summary assessment of results from both modules and is not awarded before all obligatory elements have been passed.

Students who fail have the right to perform the assignment again in order to obtain a passing grade. Students who have failed an examination or assignment twice are entitled to have another examiner appointed by the Board of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science for assessment of the grades unless there are special circumstances (HF Chapter 6. § 22). Students who pass may not retake the examination to obtain higher grades.

Departures from the form of examination can be made for a student who has a decision for educational support due to a disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form must be considered based on the student's needs. The form of examination is adapted within the framework of the syllabus's expected study results. At the request of the student, the teacher responsible for the course, in consultation with the examiner, must quickly decide on a suitable examination form. The decision must then be notified to the student. Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus for individual adaption in accordance with the Rules for grades and examination.

Crediting
Students have the right to have their previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in the profession tested whether it can be credited for the corresponding course at Umeå University. Application for credit is submitted to the Student Centre / Examinations. For more information on credit transfer available on Umeå University's student web, www.student.umu.se, and the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6). A refusal of accreditation may be appealed against (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 12) to the University Appeals Board. This applies to the whole as well as part of the application if accreditation is refused.

Other regulations

In the event that the course plan ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three exam opportunities (including regular examinations) according to the rules in the syllabus that the student was originally registered for, for a maximum of two years from the date of expiry of the previous course plan or the course ceased being offered.