Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê

Evolutionary Genetics will provide you with a full introduction to the genetic basis of evolution and adaptation. The module invokes numerous examples drawn from animal, plant and prokaryotic species to explain the rich interplay between the forces which contribute to evolutionary change in gene frequencies in populations. There is a particular focus on how the levels of genetic variation observed in populations reflect the impact of natural selection, random change and mutation. You will find out how these fundamental processes are related to major topics in evolution including, the resolution of conflicts between individuals over resources, the prevalence of sexual reproduction, speciation and the coevolution of genomes. Lectures will be supported by small-group teaching sessions (tutorials).

Learning Objectives

After completing this module you will be able to:

• Link the topic of evolution to other research disciplines, including biodiversity, computational and molecular biology, conservation, ecology and taxonomy
• Solve numerical problems on evolutionary topics including gene frequency change under selection and game theory
• Retrieve and evaluate relevant information from diverse sources including lectures and the scientific literature
• Critically discuss current topics in evolution

Indicative lecture topics – based on module content in 2023/24

• Evolution & Mendel
• Selection at a single gene
• Genetic drift
• Selection and drift
• Selection at more than one locus
• Mutation
• Frequency-dependent selection
• Kin selection
• Quantitative characters
• Evolution of sex
• Evolution of quantitative characters
• Phenotypic plasticity
• Multivariate evolution
• Molecular evolution
• Chromosomal evolution
• Evolution of gene regulation
• Sex-specific selection
• Speciation
• Genome evolution 1Ìý
• Genome evolution 2Ìý