Biology 522 Molecular Biology and Evolution

Instructor: Dr. Don Natvig TA: Amy Powell Class Times:  Monday/Wednesday 9:30-10:45

Textbook: Fundamentals of Molecular Evolution (2nd Edition), Graur D. and Li W.
 

Syllabus

Week

Dates

Topics

1
Jan. 19  Introduction
2
Jan. 24-26  Review molecular genetics; Genetic code-evolutionary considerations; Types of mutations
3
Jan. 31-Feb 2  Survey of molecular methods and kinds of data (old and new)
4
Feb. 7-9  Neutral theory of evolution; Molecular clock theory
5
Feb. 14-16  Evolutionary rates (molecular vs. morphological)
6
Feb. 21-23  Tree-building and computer methods (projects ongoing from this time)
7
Feb. 28- Mar.1  Evolutionary analysis of mitochondrial andchloroplast genomes
8
Mar. 6-8  DNA:DNA hybridization (History, Sibley and Ahlquist and related studies); MIDTERM EXAM
9
Mar. 13-17  Spring Break
10
Mar. 20-22  DNA fingerprinting and related methods (VNTRs, single loci, RAPD analysis); rDNAs and rRNAs
11
Mar. 27-29  Genome structure; Repetitive sequences; Introns
12
April 3-5  Globin genes and other gene families
13
April 10-12  Horizontal gene transfer; Evolution of new genes
14
April 17-19  Sex chromosomes; Interesting case histories in molecular evolution
15
April 24-26  Evolution of organelle genomes; Genetic code variations
16
May 1-3  Catch-up; TBA
17
May 8-12  Final exam week

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