Genetic and Evolution of Aquatic Organisms

Code:

B4053

Acronym:

B4053

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Biology

Instance: 2014/2015 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Biology
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Biodiversity, Genetics and Evolution

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
M:BGE	5	Official Study Plan	1	-	3	21	81
M:RBA	4	Study plan since 2013/2014	1	-	3	21	81

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

The objectives of the course focus on providing the students with different tools to deep their knowledge about the patterns of biological diversification in marine and freshwater ecosystems, and in the historical and contemporary processes driving their geographic, ecological and genetic diversification.

Learning outcomes and competences

Knowledge on the specific processes that explain genetic diversity in aquatic organims.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Basic knowledge of population genetics.

Basic knowledge of spreadshhet usage (e.g., excel), with special emphasis on the usage of mathematical functions.

Program

1. Introduction to the marine environment and species biology (reproductive strategies, dispersion, aquatic environment, etc). Biogeography of the marine realm. Barriers to dispersion.
2. Larval dispersion and the use of molecular markers. Seascape genetics: the inclusion of oceanographic models in the analysis of population structure.
3. Invasions and colonization.
4. Usage of molecular data in taxonomy and biodiversity analysis of marine species.
5. Testing hypotheses of population structuring in the NE Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea using marine invertebrates.
6. Genetic tools in the analysis of population structure, history and conservation of aquatic species. Revision of concepts.
7. Case studies: a) Population genetics and evolution in anadromous species: the example of European shads. Ecological differentiation and speciation; hybridization and introgression in changing environments.  b)Phylogeography of limpets. Patterns of colonization and speciation. c)Conservation genetics in freshwater species. 
8. Evolution in the aquatic environment; some examples.
9. Adaptive genetic variation. Reproductive isolation. Coadaptive evolution. Local adaptation in marine invertebrates.
10. The debate on the processes involved in "fisheries evolution". Evidences and consequences.
11. The use of molecular markers in mixed stock analysis. Population structure and conservation genetics in salmonids and alosids. (Practical exercise).

Mandatory literature

Beaumont A.; Genetics and evolution of aquatic organisms, Beaumont A., 1994. ISBN: 978-0-412-49370-6

Comments from the literature

Set of scientific papers delivered to students.

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical-practical classes. The sequence of theoretical subjects will be accompanied by practical exercises, making use of simulated or real (from R&D projects) datasets. 

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Participação presencial	10,00
Trabalho escrito	90,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Frequência das aulas	21,00
Total:	21,00

Eligibility for exams

Therotical and pratical report. Attendance to a minimum of 60% of classes

Calculation formula of final grade

Report with an analysis of two or three questions relating to selected topics (50%). 

Practical Report with results and discussion of exercises (40%).

Participation (10%).

Classification improvement

Presentation of a new theoretical and pratical report. Maintenance of the participation component.