Evolutionary Genomics

The course is included in the master´s program in Bioinformatics, but is also offered as a separate course that can be included in e.g. master’s degrees in Biology, Molecular biology or Marine biology.

For admission to the course, at least 120 credits (or equivalent) in any of the following fields: natural sciences (including mathematics), medicine or pharmacy. Basic knowledge in the programming languages command-line and Python, corresponding to e.g. course BIO511, Bioinformatics in Genomics.

English proficiency is required to the level of English 6/English Course B from Swedish Upper Secondary School, or be certified by an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL or IELTS or equivalent.

The course teaches how the genomes of living organisms change over time and how these changes drive the evolution and variation of life, as well as evolutionary diseases such as cancer and infection. The course content is at the interface between molecular biology, ecology and evolution, and genetics and is highly suitable for students aiming for a career in either of these areas. It is directed specifically at students pursuing careers in bioinformatics, biotechnology, conservation biology, medical diagnostics (e.g. as a hospital geneticist), cancer biology, infection biology, or breeding. Students will learn basic bioinformatic and statistical tools for calling genetic variants, interpreting change in variant frequency, and associating genetic variants to fitness and phenotypes. The course includes extensive training in problem solving, as well as discussions and presentations of primary literature within the key subjects.

The course is divided in sub-courses;

Sub-course 1; Evolutionary genomics, theory, 10 credits

Sub-course 2; Evolutionary genomics, bioinformatic practise, 3 credits

Sub-course 3; Evolutionary genomics, problem solving, 2 credits

After completing the course students will be able to;

Knowledge and understanding

• Describe and understand the genetic content of species and individuals and how it changes.
• Describe and understand how genetic variants emerge and change in frequency within populations, including the central principles of evolutionary genomics, population genomics, phylogenomics and molecular evolution.
• Describe and understand the principles of common methods in these fields, including their advantages and drawbacks.

Competence and skills

• Present, explain and discuss current topics and questions in evolutionary genomics, population genomics and molecular evolution.
• Call and analyze genetic variants from genomic data
• Interpret data on genetic variation presented in common display formats.
• Associate genetic variants to fitness and phenotypes based on variant frequency data.

Judgement and approach

• Critically review and evaluate scientific literature in evolutionary genomics, population genetics and genomics, molecular evolution and phylogeny.
• Reason around how changes in the frequency of genetic variants affect the evolution of life as well as the health of individuals and populations.

Sub-course 1; Lectures and literature seminars.

Sub-course 2; Computerbased bioinformatic labs.

Sub-course 3; Problem solving exercises.

Sub-course 1; Written exam, presentation and discussion of primary scientific literature.

Sub-course 2; Lab report.

Sub-course 3; Handing in problem solving exercises.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

Sub-course 1; The grading scale encompasses Pass with Distinction, Pass and Fail. The result on the written exam accounts for 90% of the final score, the result on the literature seminars accounts for 10% of the final score.

Sub-course 2; The grading scale encompasses Pass and Fail. A Pass on the written labreport is required for the grade Pass.

Sub-course 3; The grading scale encompasses Pass and Fail. A Pass on the problem solving exercises is required for the grade Pass.

Final grade; The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

The grade Pass is given if the result Pass is obtained for Sub-courses 1-3. The grade Pass with Distinction is given if the result Pass with Distinction is obtained for Sub-course 1 and the result Pass is obtained for Sub-course 2 and 3.

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

The course replaces BIO442 (Evolutionary Genomics). BIO514 and BIO442 can not be included in a degree at the same time, or be included in separate degrees where one builds on the other.