Molecular ecology and evolution

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. The course is divided into two modules: Module 1, Evolutionary genetics and conservation (5 ECTS): This module introduces genetic theory, methods and interpretation of molecular data that are fundamental for ecological, genetic and evolutionary applications. This part is divided into two sections: 1) population genetic diversity and speciation, and 2) phylogeography and conservation. Participation in computer exercises, literature seminars and project assignments are compulsory. Module 2, eDNA for biodiversity research (10 ECTS): This module focuses on the application of environmental DNA techniques in environmental monitoring, to track and characterize biodiversity in natural systems. This module consists a series of lectures, computer exercises and projects. Students gain insights into the principles and workflow of environmental DNA assay, from experimental design to data interpretation (section 1). Students conduct practical work (sampling, DNA extraction and PCR), and computer exercises (bioinformatics and data analysis (section 2). Students work in groups on topics related to the application of environmental DNA approaches to study the biodiversity of terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems and present their findings (section 3). Participation in sampling, lab work, computer exercises and project assignments are compulsory.