OEKB002389 Evolutionary data analysis for biodiversity and seminar

Type
course with continuous assessment
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Meimberg, Harald , Cardoso Curto, Manuel Antonio
Organisation
Integrative Nature Conservation Research
Offered in
Wintersemester 2026/27
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

The course will consist of a series of practical exercises divided into two major components: population genetics and phylogenetic analysis. The exercises will involve the analysis of molecular datasets generated using high-throughput sequencing approaches and derived from research projects in evolutionary biology, ecology, and conservation genetics. These datasets will span a wide range of molecular data types, from targeted loci to genome-wide approaches.
The course will place particular emphasis on the statistical analysis and interpretation of genotype and sequence data. In addition, students will be introduced to selected bioinformatic workflows commonly used in evolutionary and genomic analyses.
More specifically, the course will cover the following topics:
• Basic concepts of population genetics, such as Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, quantification of genetic diversity and analysis of population differentiation and structure patterns.
• Character-based phylogenetic and phylogenomic inference, including concepts of homology, the background behind the main phylogenetic and phylogenomic approaches.
• Testing evolutionary hypotheses.
Students will be encouraged to work collaboratively in small groups of up to three participants to solve the exercises. At the end of each exercise, results and their biological interpretation will be discussed within an evolutionary and ecological framework.
Previous knowledge expected

Basic knowledge of genetics, molecular biology, ecology and evolutionary biology.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

By the end of the course, students should be able to:
• Apply contemporary statistical and computational tools for phylogenetic and population genetics analysis.
• Critically interpret and evaluate analytical results in population genetics and phylogenetics within an evolutionary framework.
• Recognize the assumptions, strengths, and limitations of commonly used analytical methods in evolutionary biology and conservation genetics.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.