Molecular Methods in Ecology and Evolution

Coordinator

Dr. E. Geuverink (Evolutionary Genetics, RUG)

Lecturers
Prof. Dr. B.I. Tieleman (BPE, RUG), Dr. E. Geuverink (EGDB, RUG), Prof Dr. J. Falcao Salles (GREEN, RUG)

Guest lecturers
Dr. M. van der Velde, Dr. M.A. Versteegh

Aim of the course
Molecular methods are now widely used in ecological and evolutionary studies, to answer questions ranging from the evolutionary history of populations to patterns in community ecology. How can we use these molecular tools to enhance our knowledge of population genetics, phylogeny, molecular and adaptive variation, and community structure?

The objective of this course is to introduce students to a range of molecular techniques (DNA, RNA and protein- based) that are applied in ecological and evolutionary research. We will teach ‘how’ these techniques are properly applied, as well as their potential and limitations.

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. Use some software packages for analyzing molecular data.

Learning outcomes
Students will be able to: work properly and safely in a molecular lab, to describe a range of molecular approaches that are currently used in ecological and evolutionary research, to apply molecular approaches to solve research questions in ecology and evolution; to use some software packages used for analyzing molecular data. Suggested reading: An introduction to Molecular Ecology, 2nd edition – Trevor Beebee & Graham Rowe, 978.0.19.92925.9

Contents and structure
In the course students will learn through a hands-on wet and dry laboratory training a range of methods and their respective laboratory protocols. The course 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 (including nanopore sequencing); (meta)barcoding; sequence analysis; RNA extraction; gene expression analysis; protein quantification and activity.

The course prepares students to conduct research projects containing molecular methods in the MSc programmes Ecology & Evolution, Marine Biology and Integrative Biology.

General Information