ENTOM 4610 - Model-Based Phylogenetics and Hypothesis Testing

Spring. 3 credits. Student option grading.

Prerequisite: BIOEE 1780 or BIOMG 2800 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.

Staff.

This course is an introduction to the “tree of life” (phylogeny): its conceptual origins, methods for discovering its structure, how phylogenies are used in macroevolution, and its importance in evolutionary biology and other areas of science. Topics include historical context and concepts, sources of data, methods of phylogenetic analysis, and the use of phylogenies to study systematics and classification, the tempo and mode of lineage diversification, coevolution, biogeography, conservation, molecular biology, development, and epidemiology.

Outcome 1: 1.1 Be able to describe relationships among gene sequences/ individuals/ species based on a phylogeny.
1.2 Understand the difference between gene trees and species trees.

Outcome 2: 2.1 Learn how to use a variety of programs to analyze data in a phylogenetic framework.
2.2 Build an aligned sequence data set and infer phylogenies using various programs.
2.3 Assess and discuss issues with evaluating statistical support for relationships.

Outcome 3: 3.1 Implement methods for macroevolutionary analyses, including comparative analyses and ancestral reconstruction.
3.2 Determine which tests are appropriate for a specific evolutionary question.
3.3 Develop alternative hypotheses of evolution and rigorously examine statistical support for these alternatives.

Outcome 4: 4.1 Write questions and hypotheses and be able to evaluate others’ research.
4.2 Discuss scientific literature with peers and peer-review other classmates’ scientific writing.

Outcome 5: 5.1 Develop an independent project based on [the student’s] own interests.
5.2 Build a dataset and run appropriate analyses for the individual project.
5.3 Interpret the results of these analyses and communicate findings through scientific writing.
5.4 Present results of independent research orally.