GENE30010

This module will provide in-depth insights into the complexity of gene regulatory circuits using just a handful of well-studied research subjects from animal and plant developmental genetics. We will see how specific biological questions can be tackled from a molecular genetics, epigenetics, population genetics and evolutionary genetics perspective and how the diversity of approaches leads to a better understanding of biological phenomena from a holistic point of view. This will enhance the general understanding on the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary processes that shaped living beings.

During the course of this module, a special focus will be put on how to approach biological research questions. This comprises formulating research questions, hypothesis building and hypothesis testing, experimental design, distinguishing bottom-up and top-down approaches as well as ultimate and proximate causation.