91360 - Population Genetics and Molecular Evolution

Learning outcomes

The course provides the knowledge of the basic elements of population genetics and molecular evolution needed to understand evolutionary processes, stimulate and consolidate the student's critical thinking and interpersonal skills through open discussion situations and group work.

Course contents

Introduction to genetics: from mendelian transmission to post-genomic era.

Genetic variation: origin of DNA variation and study methodologies

Genetic structure of populations : Hardy Weinberg equilibrium and its applications; inbreeding, genetic drift, genetic flow, mutation, natural selection and fitness.

Molecules of life. Genome structure. Comparative genomics, genome evolution. Molecular mechanisms underlying molecular evolution: duplication, mutation, recombination, mobile element activity. Genes: omology, orthology and paralogy. Origin of new genes. Origin of new protein domains. Epigenetic mechanisms and evolution.

Readings/Bibliography

Lessons materials will be distributed in PDF files to students attending the course.

Some issues will be examined on the basis of reviews and original papers that will be available for the students.

Teaching methods

The theoretical lessons will be held by using slides.

Assessment methods

The exam aims at the assessment of the expected learning outcomes. Written exam (2 hours) comprising both open-ended and closed-ended questions.

Office hours

See the website of Brunella Del Re