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2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

BLGY3246 Evolution and Population Genetics

10 creditsClass Size: 120

Module manager: Dr Simon Goodman
Email: s.j.goodman@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

Module replaces

BLGY3244

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

Learning outcomes
On the completion of this module, students will be able to:
- understand the nature of biological species and the roles of natural selection and drift in
evolution;
- comprehend the attempts made and the problems encountered, in interpreting genetic data to
infer the history of populations (including human beings);
- appreciate the formal logic and modes of thinking required to solve phylogenetic problems and
interpret experimental data;
- develop skills in the interpretation of material pertaining to the above.


Syllabus

Students will understand:
- The role of natural selection.
- Dynamics of gene replacement: neutral vs. selectionist theories.
- Drift and neutral evolution.
- Natural selection for alleles with discrete effects.
- Phylogenetics and phylogeography.
- Inferring population structure, migrations and colonisation with genetic data, and the application
of such techniques to humans and wildlife
- Evolutionary and population genomics

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Data Handling Session22.004.00
Lecture151.0015.00
Private study hours81.00
Total Contact hours19.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

61 hours - preparation for lectures, reading references and revision
20 hours - working on computer-based data analysis.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Exercises applying principles covered during lectures to analyse population datasets.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Practical Reportpractical report - DNA sequence analysis (split over 2 sessions)30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)30.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment24 hr 00 mins70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)70.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 28/04/2023 14:47:51

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