91360 - GENETICA DI POPOLAZIONE ED EVOLUZIONE MOLECOLARE

Academic Year 2020/2021

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Biodiversity and Evolution (cod. 9075)

Learning outcomes

After completing this course, the student has adequate knowledge of genetics of populations  and molecular evolution. In particular, the student is able to understand, analyse, discuss these issues.

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, or oral exam (Teams) depending on COVID-19 spread.

Office hours

See the website of Brunella Del Re

SDGs

Good health and well-being Life on land

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.