This course offers an overview of ecological and evolutionary processes in natural populations, and how they can be studied with molecular methods. The course introduces fundamental concepts and principles in population genetics, meta-genomics, and landscape genetics for a better understanding of the forces operating in natural systems. Students gain insight into the use of common molecular methods, their strengths and limitations for ecological coupling. Specific topics include detection of genetic variation within and among populations, speciation, selection and local adaptation, environmental DNA (eDNA) assays, and biological conservation. This course takes account of the technology breakthroughs achieved in recent years to give students an updated guide to the increasingly use of molecular data in ecological studies and environmental monitoring.
The course consists of lectures, literature seminars, DNA lab exercise, computer simulations, data exercises, and independent projects where students use empirical and simulation data to infer the distribution of genetic diversity at genome, population and community levels. Students will analyze environmental DNA datasets to study ecological problems related to environmental changes. e.g. climate warming, local pollution, introduction of invasive species.
Univ: 120 ECTS including 60 ECTS in Biology or Molecular biology, 30 ECTS of these 60 ECTS should be in Ecology and/or Genetics, or equivalent knowledge. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
Academic credits
Applicants in some programs at Umeå University have guaranteed admission to this course. The number of places for a single course may therefore be limited.
Application code
UMU-50204
Application
Application deadline was
16 October 2023.
The application period is closed.
Application and tuition fees
As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
