BIOL3242:  Molecular Evolution (WINTER 2011)

Instructor: Aurora Nedelcu, Bailey Hall, room 266

Office hours: Wednesdays – 2:30 -3:30; or by appointment

Description: The course provides a synthesis of our understanding of evolution at the molecular level. It covers the dynamics of evolutionary change (i.e., rates and patterns), the driving forces behind the evolutionary process, and the effects of various molecular mechanisms and processes on the structure and evolution of genes and genomes. The course will (i) provide a new framework for applying knowledge and concepts from other courses such as Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Evolution, and (ii) make the bridge between lower-level courses in Evolution and Genetics and more specialized upper-level courses, such as Bioinformatics and Major Evolutionary Transitions.

Prerequisite: Completion of Year II Cellular Module; Evolution course recommended

Semester: Winter

Times: Monday, Wednesday, Friday; 9:30 am – 10:20 pm 

Location: Bailey Hall - room 22

Credits: 3ch

Students registered: 22

Format: Lectures, student projects and presentations, and paper discussions

Textbook: Fundamentals of Molecular Evolution (second edition; 2000); Dan Graur and Wen-Hsiung Li

-one copy will be available on Reserve in the Library

Additional Reading Material will be placed on Reserve in the Library or on Blackboard

Evaluation

Midterm – 40%

Project (written + presentation) – 20% + 20%

Paper discussion + Participation – 10% + 10%

Grading Scheme:

A+       91-100             A         86-90               A-        80-85

B+       75-79               B          70-74               B-        65-69

C+       60-64               C         50-59               D         40-50               F          0-40