Research in Evolutionary Genomics

Satisfies the advanced experience requirement for the Biology major. This course will provide hands-on training in the collection and analysis of genome-scale data from non-model organisms. Students will learn good laboratory practices while learning protocols related to next-generation DNA sequencing. Students will also learn basic Linux/Unix computational skills and several bioinformatics tools that will be applied in managing and analyzing the massive amounts of data generated by this sequencing technology. Through data analyses and reviews of the primary literature, students will gain exposure to modern methods in phylogenetics and population genetics. This course is recommended for students interested in advanced topics in genomics and bioinformatics.