Description
‘Sex, Genes and Evolution’ will introduce students to an advanced understanding of current scientific research in evolutionary genetics, concentrating on (a) the evolution of sex and its consequences, (b) evolutionary conflicts between individuals and genes within individuals and (c) the origins of eukaryotic complexity.
The module is designed to attract students from a diverse range of backgrounds. Through lectures and small group tutorials, you will be given the opportunity to learn about the major topics of debate in evolutionary genetics such as:
- the basic forces giving rise to social behaviour
- how cooperative behaviour arises between genes within an organism
- the evolutionary impact of selfish genetic elements
- the principles behind the origin of sexes
- the origin of major eukaryotic adaptations
- evolution of mito-nuclear interactions
- the role of lateral gene transfer in bacteria and the transition to meiotic sex
- meiotic drive and transposable element evolution
- the origin and evolution of sex chromosomes
Learning Objectives
- You will discover how theoretical and experimental investigation have contributed to understanding
- Learn how to read and critically understand primary research papers
- Learn how to analyse and interpret data
- Learn how to write short essays using primary research papers.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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