NSCPHD1257 Phylogenetic Systematics and Molecular Dating

Volume 2014/2015
Content

Content

The course teaches the theory and methodology of phylogenetic systematics, alignment, and molecular dating. Among the subjects covered are:

  • Phylogenetic theory
  • Characters and character coding
  • Tree building techniques
  • Tree statistics and tree support
  • Bayesian inference
  • Maximum Likelihood
  • Alignment
  • Molecular dating

Various tree building programs (e.g., MrBayes, and TNT) will be demonstrated and used.

Literature
Prior knowledge of phylogenetics corresponding to e.g., Schuh, T. and Brower, A.V.Z. 2009. Biological Systematics. Principles and Applications. 2nd Ed. (Cornell University Press), is essential. Recommended reading: Kitching, I. J. et al. 1998. Cladistics. The Theory and Practice of Parsimony Analysis. 2nd Ed. (Oxford Science Publications).
 

Formal requirements
Participants must be enrolled as PhD students within a research area related to the core academic content of the course (phylogenetic systematics).
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures followed by computer demonstrations, exercises and group discussions.
Literature
Prior knowledge of phylogenetics corresponding to e.g., Schuh, T. and Brower, A.V.Z. 2009. Biological Systematics. Principles and Applications. 2nd Ed. (Cornell University Press), is essential. Recommended reading: Kitching, I. J. et al. 1998. Cladistics. The Theory and Practice of Parsimony Analysis. 2nd Ed. (Oxford Science Publications).
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 40
  • Preparation
  • 120
  • Theory exercises
  • 40
  • Total
  • 200
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Continuous assessment
Continuous assessment
Exam registration requirements
Type of assessment: Course participation