NBIA07032U Evolution and Ancient DNA: Practice and Theory
MSc Programme in Biology
Laboratory projects will relate to the ongoing research at the
Centre for GeoGenetics. Seminars will revolve around the following
topics, but may vary according to teachers being available:
- Early Human Evolution
- Modern Humans and Human Demography
- The Genetic Difference between Human and other Primates
- Introduction to Ancient DNA
- Ancient Dirt DNA. DNA from Ice, Dung and Sediments
- Ancient Phylogenetics & Population Genetics
- The Early Genetic Life
- Evolution of Non-Coding DNA
- Exobiology. Life in the Universe
- The Evolution of Dinosaurs
- Dinosaurs and Feathers
- The Evolution of Mammals
- The Evolution of Whales
- Pathogens and Diseases
Competences
Discuss and critically review scientific articles
Present scientific literature before an audience
Critically assess the data and findings underlying evolutionary models
Conceptualize current and contemporary meta-discourse perceptions within ancient DNA research
Skills
Describe the major events in vertebrate and invertebrate evolution
Outline the current theories on human evolution and dispersal
Use the acquired knowledge to identify potential evolutionary questions that can be addressed using genetic information
Identify the problems, caveats and perspectives of using ancient DNA as testimony of prehistoric life
Carrying out a 3-week laboratory project, involving DNA extraction, PCR and sequence analysis
Knowledge
Possess an overview of ancient DNA and associated methodologies
Describe early human evolution, and population histories of humans
Describe the technology behind ancient protein analysis
Describe the evolution of early tetrapods
Describe the evolution from Dinosaurs to Birds, and the early evolution and diversification of modern birds
Outline the genetic differences between human and other primates
Scientific literature will be handed out during the course
- Category
- Hours
- Colloquia
- 26
- Exam
- 2
- Preparation
- 154
- Project work
- 24
- Total
- 206
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Written examination, 2 hours under invigilationThe exam takes 2 hours and is based on multiple choice and essay questions.
- Aid
- All aids allowed
NB: If the exam is held at the ITX, the ITX will provide you a computer. Private computer, tablet or mobile phone CANNOT be brought along to the exam. Books and notes should be brought on paper or saved on a USB key.
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Several internal examiners.
Criteria for exam assesment
See description
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NBIA07032U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 2
- Schedule
- A
- Course capacity
- 32
- Continuing and further education
- Study board
- Study Board of Biology and Animal Science
Contracting department
- The Natural History Museum of Denmark
Course responsibles
- Eske Willerslev (11-67796b6e6e6774756e67784275777066306d7730666d)
- Tobias Mourier (8-7d76787e7b726e7b497c777637747e376d74)