Molecular Methods in Ecology and Evolution (2021/2022)

Uitgebreide vaknaam	Molecular Methods in Ecology and Evolution
Leerdoelen	At the end of the course, the student is able to: 1. Work properly and safely in a molecular lab; 2. Describe, discuss and practice a range of molecular approaches that are currently used in ecological and evolutionary research; 3. Apply molecular approaches to solve research questions in ecology and evolution; 4. Analyze, interpret and present the results based on molecular data 5. Use some software packages for analyzing molecular data.
Omschrijving	This course can be followed as 5 ECTS course (following only the first part of the course) or as 10 ECTS course (following both the first and second part of the course). In the first part of the course (5 ECTS), students will learn through a hands-on wet and dry laboratory training a range of methods and their respective laboratory protocols. The first part consists of a mixture of lectures, dry lab (computer) and wet lab practicals. It provides an introduction to molecular techniques that are used in ecological and evolutionary research: DNA extraction; basic principles of PCR, qPCR and primer design; cloning; sequencing approaches; fingerprinting techniques; phylogenetic analyses of sequences; RNA extraction; gene expression analysis; protein quantification and activity. During the second part (5 ECTS), students will apply these molecular techniques to carry out independent research projects, which will be carried out individually or by groups of 2 students and will fit within the ongoing research of GELIFES, using molecular techniques for ecological and evolutionary research.
Uren per week
Onderwijsvorm	Hoorcollege (LC), Practisch werk (PRC), Werkcollege (T) (Presence is mandatory)
Toetsvorm	Opdracht (AST), Practisch werk (PR), Presentatie (P) (Grade 1st part of the course (5 ECTS)=(0.33 x practical work PR) +(0.33 x lab journal Opdr)+(0.33 x presentation Opdr), all grades must be higher than 5. Grade 2nd part=(0.33 x practical work PR)+(0.33 x report Opdr)+(0.33 x presentation Opdr),all grades must be higher than 5.Final grade=When both parts are followed (10 ECTS course), each part of the course will account for 50% of the final grade.)
Vaksoort	master
Coördinator	prof. dr. B. Wertheim
Docent(en)	prof. dr. J. Falcao Salles ,prof. dr. B.I. Tieleman ,dr. ing. S.N. Vink ,prof. dr. B. Wertheim
Verplichte literatuur	Titel Auteur ISBN Prijs Handouts with copies of the slides and relevant literature (lab protocols & research papers) are distributed An introduction to Molecular Ecology, (optional and additional literature) Trevor Beebee & Graham Rowe 978-0-19-92925-9
Entreevoorwaarden	The course unit assumes prior knowledge acquired from a BSc in Biology, Ecology and/or Evolution. No molecular knowledge is assumed.
Opmerkingen	Max. 16 students A minimum of 8 enrolled students is required for the course to be given. With less than 8 students enrolled, the course will be cancelled. When the labs are still closed for teaching due to Covid-19, we are unable to teach this course. Approx. 12 first-year MSc students from the degree programme(s) MSc Biology, MSc Ecology & Evolution and MSc Marine Biology are participating in the course unit. The course is also open to PhD students from the Groningen Graduate School of Sciences (GGSS) and the Research School Ecology and Evolution (RSEE) The course unit is an elective in the MSc Biology, MSc Ecology & Evolution and MSc Marine Biology.
Opgenomen in	Opleiding Jaar Periode Type MSc Biology: Research  (Compulsory master courses) - semester I a keuze MSc Biology: Science, Business and Policy  (Compulsory master courses) - semester I a keuze MSc Biomolecular Sciences  (Electives/Optional modules) - semester I a keuze MSc Ecology and Evolution: Ecology and Conservation  (Electives/optional modules) - semester I a keuze MSc Ecology and Evolution: Evolutionary Biology  (Electives/optional modules) - semester I a keuze MSc Marine Biology: Research  (Compulsory master courses) - semester I a keuze