Explore UCD

UCD Home >

ZOOL40040

Academic Year 2024/2025

Molecular Phylogenetics - Powers and Pitfalls (ZOOL40040)

Subject:
Zoology
College:
Science
School:
Biology & Environment Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Graham Hughes
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Dobzhansky (1973) argued that 'Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution.' However, evolution only makes sense in light of a robust and resolved phylogenetic tree. Originally phylogenies were constructed using morphological data, but now, in the post-genomic era, the majority of phylogenies are created using molecular data. 'Molecular phylogenetics' is an extremely powerful tool that is increasingly used in the fields of molecular zoology, systematics, biogeography, comparative genomics, conservation genetics, virology, epidemiology, molecular evolution, paleontology and forensics. This module focuses on the main philosophies and methods used in molecular phylogenetic analyses. It explores the pros and cons of both morphological and molecular phylogenetic techniques. It describes the power of these methods by showing how mammalian evolutionary history has been drastically rewritten in light of molecular phylogenetic studies.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
- Appreciate the complexities associated with constructing Molecular Phylogenies.
- Interpret and critically evaluate the literature within the field.
- Understand the methodogies in the construction of both morphological and molecular phylogenies.
- Review critically unseen research material and summarise the key methods and findings.
- Have an appreciation of mammalian evolutionary history and molecular phylogenetics contribution to it.

Indicative Module Content:

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Specified Learning Activities

20
Autonomous Student Learning

93
Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
lectures;
active/task-based learning;
peer and group work;
critical writing;
enquiry and case based learning;
debates and discussion.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

This is an advanced module and requires a detailed knowledge of Genetics and Molecular Biology. Students should have taken at least two modules at Level 3 in related disciplines.

Learning Recommendations:

The Evolutionary Biology Module (ZOOL 30030) is highly recommended.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Continuous Assessment: Project Week 6 Graded No
20
 No
Exam (In-person): 2 hour End of Trimester Exam End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Graded Yes
80
 Yes

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The project will be discussed in class. Tutors will discuss project and methodology pre-final task. Student can receive individual feedback, post assessment.

Phylogenetic Trees Made Easy- A how to manual (fifth edition)
Barry G. Hall

Name Role
Dr Graham Hughes Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4 Mon 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4 Tues 14:00 - 14:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4 Wed 12:00 - 12:50
Print this page
Fill in the following details:
Enter the body of your query here.

From time to time UCD would like to send you further information that we feel, based on your enquiry, would be of interest to you.