bio675 - Molecular Ecology (Complete module description)

The field of molecular ecology strives to identify relationships between species genotypes, phenotypes and ecological factors. It addresses questions about how organisms adapt and explains patterns of distribution and biodiversity. During the course, participants will get to know the biological background to design an experiment in the field of molecular ecology. We will discuss the state of the art according to literature. Participants will perform sampling and conduct steps of the analysis. The course will cover field methods (sampling) and lab methods (behavior experiments, genetic analyses, phenotypic analyses) as well as computer based analyses.

++ deepened biological expertise
++ deepened knowledge of biological working methods
++ data analysis skills
+ interdisciplinary thinking
+ critical and analytical thinking
+ independent searching and knowledge of scientific literature
++ ability to perform independent biological research
++ data presentation and discussion (E) (written and spoken)
+ statistics & scientific programming

Lecture: AN/GG - Molecular ecology background of specific study systems. The lectures will introduce a study system that will be analyzed during the course (study systems may vary from year to year). It is the goal of the lecture to provide students with background information to develop an experimental design of a field study during the practical. Excercise: AN/GG - Mixed course with laboratory and field exercises. Samples will be collected in the field. One goal of the course is to apply modern analyses to understand how organisms are distributed. Another aspect is the application of molecular markers to analyze behavioral experiments.

will be announced during the course

associated with bio890 Current Topics of Biology (Seminar)

during the module

Presentations (50%), Portfolio (50%). Regular participation is a prerequisite to pass in the module.