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EK5301: MOLECULAR ECOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES (2023-2024)

Last modified: 31 Jul 2023 11:35


Course Overview

The course will develop the student’s awareness of how molecular genetic techniques, including modern ‘omics technologies, can be used to inform our understanding of aspects of ecology, evolution, population biology and conservation science. The course will describe the underlying central dogma of molecular biology that explains how genetic diversity arises and can be harnessed as molecular markers. It will then review the contribution of molecular genetics in individual, population and species level studies.

Course Details

Study Type Postgraduate Level 5
Term First Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Professor S.B. Piertney

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

The central dogma of molecular biology.

Molecular markers and PCR.

Microevolutionary processes and the Hardy-Weinberg paradigm.

Molecular markers in 1) population genetics; 2) phylogenetics; 3) relatedness and parentage

Genomics and transcriptomics.

Epigenetics.

By the end of the course students will be equipped with the knowledge and experience of a range of techniques currently used in molecular ecology, and appreciate emerging topics that will dictate how the field develops.  The course will also provide direct experience of data analysis, interpretation and presentation.

Associated Costs

DescriptionValue
Students should possess a Howie laboratory coat and safety glasses. Further details of requirements can be found on the course's MyAberdeen page. The cost listed here is approximate.23.0000

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Poster Presentation

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 55
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Verbal feedback provided during poster session, and individual written feedback provided on each poster.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

3 Computer assessments

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 45
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

3 x computer assessments (15% each).

Feedback provided for each assessment in MyAberdeen in real time.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualCreateto demonstrate a critical and informed understanding of a relevant piece of molecular research and to apply that understanding to an ecological context
ConceptualEvaluateto glean and evaluate information from molecular genetics publication
ProceduralApplyto gain experience with techniques used in molecular ecology and to critically reflect on their application
ConceptualUnderstandto understand biochemical basis of inheritance, how this generates genetic variation, how certain evolutionary processes affect variation in the natural environment

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