Genetics and evolution, 22.5 Credits

Contents

With a primary focus on eukaryotic organisms, this course deals with genetics at cellular and organismal levels, micro- and macro-evolutionary processes, the diversity of organisms living on earth and the evolutionary relationships among them. The genetics section deals with the structure and function of the DNA molecule and the flow of genetic information from genes to products, chromosome structure and organization, mitosis, meiosis and transmission genetics: inheritance of qualitative characters and linkage. The Evolution section deals with population genetics: Hardy-Weinberg law, basic micro-evolutionary processes, quantitative genetics and speciation. Basic molecular evolution at whole genome level, and methods for studying genetic variation in natural populations are included in the course. The phylogeny and systematics section deals with the evolution of life, organismal kinship and the basics of phylogenetic analysis. The main features of eukaryote evolution and the foundations of systematics theory are treated and applied to land plants, fungi and animals. The knowledge from theoretical aspects of the course will be consolidated and exemplified in problem solving exercises and computer labs, group discussions, laboratory work, and field trips. An individual investigative project will be carried out within a one of the subject areas covered in the course.

The course is divided into the following sections:

Section 1, Genetics, 5 hp

Genetics deals with the structure and replication of the genetic material (DNA, RNA, proteins, genetic code, replication, transcription, translation, chromosomes, mitosis / meiosis), the creation of genetic variation (gene and chromosomal mutations), and the transfer of genetic information between generations (inheritance of qualitative and quantitative characters and linkage).
Section 2, Evolution, 7.5 hp
The Evolution section treats population genetics - genetic variation and Hardy-Weinberg's law as well as models for micro-evolutionary processes that alter allele and genotype frekvencies within and between populations (mutation, migration, genetic drift, natural selection and mating systems). Evolutionary conclusions inferred from whole genome data, e.g. genome size and coding versus non-coding DNA, are also examined. Speciation models are introduced to gain an understanding of the roles played by different evolutionary processes play in facilitating reproductive isolation. Different types of phylogenetic and molecular methods and models used to detect and analyze the variation at genomic, genotypic and phenotypic levels, within and among individuals, populations and species are introduced.
Section 3, Phylogeny and Systematics, 7 hp
Phylogeny and Systematics deals with the theory and principles of phylogeny and systematics, i.e. taxonomy, phylogeny, classification, and nomenclature and is applied to eukaryotic organisms, especially terrestrial plants, fungi and animals. Bacteria, unicellular eukaryotes and algae are studied in less depth. This section describes the basic structure of the tree of life and thereby provides a skeleton onto which all other biological knowledge may be placed. Knowledge obtained from subjects such as paleontology, embryology, traditional and molecular systematics is used in this section.

This section is divided into the following parts:

Part 1, The Basics of phylogeny and systematics, 2 hp. Systematics theory and methods are studied, covering taxonomy, phylogenetic relatedness, classification and naming of taxa. Relationships between molecular evolution, ontogeny and phenotypic evolution are treated, as well as relationships between micro-and macroevolution. Methods of phylogenetic reconstruction and their applications in various areas of biology are examined. The section also provides a brief overview of the origin and history of life with emphasis on the major transitions in evolution.

Part 2, prokaryotes and eukaryotes besides animals, 2 hp. This section deals with scientific theories about the origins of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and provides an overview of the diversity and phylogeny of eukaryotic organisms. Focus is placed on fungi and land plants; bacteria, Archaea, single-celled eukaryotes and algae are covered more generally. Morphological and anatomical studies of representatives of these organismal groups are carried out in the laboratory and provide some skills in microscopy.

Part 3, Animal Kingdom, 3 hp. Foundations for a modern classification of the animal kingdom are reviewed. Animal adaptations to different lifestyles and environments are exemplified, and animal evolution is illustrated through their relatedness and fossil history. Rules for scientific naming in zoology treated. The practical parts include e.g. studies of macroscopic animal preparations and dissections of selected animals.

Section 4, Individual investigative project, 3 hp
Students write an individual, in-depth essay on a topic related to those covered in the course. Topic choice must be approved by the course coordinator. The project requires finding, summarizing and synthesizing original research using papers from academic journals, source assessment, question formulation, formal scientific writing proper and citation of sources. Projects are presented in verbal and written forms. A critical assessment of a fellow student’s project is also required.

Expected learning outcomes

Part 1
1. Describe the structure and replication of the genetic material and basic aspects of the flow of genetic information from DNA to proteins.
2. Describe some of the processes involved in the regulation of gene expression
3. Describe the phases of mitosis and meiotic in detail and their consequences for inheritance.
4. Explain fundamental genetic concepts.
5. Inter-relate chromosome behavior during meiosis with the key rules of inheritance: segregation of alleles, independent assortment, sex linkage, linkage, and maternal inheritance.
6. Apply the principles of Mendelian inheritance and their extensions, by analyzing inheritance patterns from crosses

Part 2
1. Describe the origins and genetic consequences of mutations and chromosomal abnormalities
2. Analyze allele and genotype frequencies within populations from the Hardy-Weinberg law and understand their relationships to Mendelian genetics
3. Analyze the basic processes in population genetics, mutation, migration, natural selection, and genetic drift and describe how they affect the genetic diversity within a species
4. Discuss methods for detecting and analyzing variation at gene, genome and phenotypic levels within and between individuals, populations and species.
5. Use simple population genetic analytical methods
6. Describe speciation processes
7. Describe the relationship between molecular and phenotypic evolution

Part 3

1. Describe and discuss how different processes, especially biological evolution, occurring during the history of our planet, have given rise to the diversity of life as we know it today
2. Understand and explain the basic logic of phylogenetic thinking and reconstruction
3. Understand how phylogenetic trees can be used to study of evolutionary questions in different areas of biology.
4. Use simple methods for phylogenetic reconstruction
5. Apply the rules of scientific naming of taxa in botany and zoology
6. Account for the origins and development of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and describe the diversity of unicellular organisms in general terms
7. Characterize and identify the main groups of multicellular eukaryotes with an emphasis on land plants, fungi and animals and describe their evolutionary relationships
9. Seek and evaluate scientific information and present an inquiry in systematics in a dialogue with a target audience

Part 4
1. Individually search for and evaluate scientific information, as well as plan and execute a written essay and oral presentation within any of the subject areas dealt with in the course
2. Critically review and constructively oppose a corresponding project of a fellow student

Form of instruction

Learning is facilitated through lectures, problem solving and computer exercises, laboratory work, group discussions, project work, and report writing. Exercises, labs, group discussions and project work are compulsory. Skills acquired through these learning approaches are invaluable in the workplace.

Examination modes

Performance is assessed through formal written examinations at the end of each section and through written and oral presentations of project work and field studies. Formal examations and written assignments are assigned the grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). The results of all formal examinations, projects and compulsory assignments contribute to the final course grade which is awarded only after all mandatory elements have been approved. Final course grades are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).
Students who fail have the right to retake examinations. Students who pass may not retake the examination to obtain higher grades. Students who have failed an examination or other assignment twice are entitled to have another examiner appointed, unless there are special circumstances (HF Chapter 6. § 22). Requests for new examiners are made to head of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science.

Other regulations

There is an attachment to this curriculum, approved by the course curriculum group 2013-06-14