Molecular and Evolutionary Ecology

Have you ever wondered how you can:

• determine the origin of wolves crossing the Dutch border?

• find out what bears eat, even if you only have access to their poo?

• determine the region of origin of invasive insect pest species threatening fruit production?

• find out how you can get information from DNA sampled at a crime site?

If you are interested in ecology and evolution and want an answer to these types of questions, the Molecular and Evolutionary Ecology (MEE) course GEN-20306, is just the course for you!
The subject of the MEE course is the application of molecular techniques and evolutionary concepts for ecological research, which will be illustrated and applied in a personal experimental research project. The course starts with a practical training in molecular techniques like DNA isolation, RFLP and PCR analysis and gel-electrophoresis and focuses on its use for answering ecological and evolutionary questions. Mini-projects will be introduced in the second week. The mini-projects are organized in research teams, each consisting of 4-5 groups that will work on their own research questions centred around one of 6 overarching research topics. The last two weeks will be used to finish the course (written reports, oral presentations at the final symposium and an oral final evaluation).

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:

• Summarize and explain available molecular techniques for evolutionary/ecological research
• Apply molecular methods for evolutionary/ecological research
• Design and carry out an experiment (mini research project) using molecular techniques to answer ecological question in evolutionary context
• Evaluate the results of an experiment in the field of evolutionary and molecular ecology research
• Critically evaluate your own and other research projects
• Present the results of the research project

Mandatory Knowledge:
ZSS06100 Laboratory Safety
Assumed Knowledge:
Basic knowledge on Evolution, Genetics, Ecology and Molecular Biology:
GEN11306 Evolution and Systematics;
GEN11806 Fundamentals of Genetics and Molecular Biology;
PEN10503 Ecology I.