Molecular Phylogeography : Biol 701

Phylogeography will be a 3-hr course focusing on the study of the underlying processes governing the geographical distributions of gene lineages within and among closely related species.  We will address a variety of practical and conceptual issues related to the spatial and temporal distributions of gene lineages, drawing on readings from Avise’s “Phylogeography” text, a brief historical review of primary literature, and a more detailed focus on recent primary literature in the new and burgeoning field of Statistical Phylogeography. A major additional component of the class will involve group demonstrations of new software and statistical tools for phylogeographers.  Students will be evaluated on the basis of (1) participation in weekly class discussions, (2) presentation of journal articles and leadership of the discussion relating to those articles, (3) class presentations of phylogeography-related software of their choice, and (4) a writing assignment stemming from analyses of primary data, re-analysis of published data sets, or a review of a controversial issue in phylogeography.  This class is intended for graduate students and advanced undergraduate students and has an enrollment limit of 12 persons.

 

Phylogeography was last offered in the the Spring of 2006. It will probably be offered again in Spring 2010. Download current syllabus.