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Applied Evolutive Genetics

Code: 42927
Credits: 6
2026/2027
Degree programme Type Course
Advanced Genetics OP 0

Contact lecturer

Name :
Sònia Casillas Viladerrams
Email :
sonia.casillas@uab.cat

Teaching staff

Isaac Salazar Ciudad
Antoni Barbadilla Prados
Mauro Santos Maroño
Marta Coronado Zamora
Jaime Martinez Urtaza
Aurora Ruiz-Herrera Moreno
Antoni Fontdevila Vivanco
Cinta Pegueroles Queralt

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

Students are expected to have a solid background in Genetics, Molecular Biology and Evolution, as well as Biostatistics, equivalent to that acquired in undergraduate studies in Biosciences or related disciplines. Basic knowledge of Population Genetics, Molecular Genetics and Genomics is recommended.

Students should be able to read and critically analyse scientific literature in English, as well as communicate scientific concepts both orally and in writing. Basic skills in the use of bibliographic databases and scientific information resources are also required.

Objectives

Evolutionary Genetics is the discipline that integrates the principles of Genetics with Darwinian evolutionary theory to understand how evolutionary processes shape the diversity of life. The central aim of this module is to provide students with an advanced and updated perspective on the mechanisms driving genetic variation and evolutionary change at different biological levels, from molecules and genomes to populations and species.

The course explores both the fundamental principles of Evolutionary Genetics and their current applications in research areas such as molecular evolution, adaptation, evolutionary genomics, conservation genomics, chromosome evolution, forensic genetics and speciation.

The main objectives of the module are:

  • To understand the evolutionary forces responsible for the origin, maintenance and distribution of genetic variation.
  • To integrate genetic and genomic information to address evolutionary questions.
  • To understand the theoretical foundations and applications of molecular evolution and evolutionary genomics.
  • To critically analyse current scientific literature in Evolutionary Genetics.
  • To develop the ability to formulate original scientific questions and hypotheses in the field.
  • To communicate scientific ideas and research results effectively in English, both orally and in writing.

Learning outcomes

  1. Preparation and presentation of seminars.
  2. Write critical summaries about the taught seminars.
  3. Students should know how to communicate their conclusions, knowledge and final reasoning that they hold in front of specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously.
  4. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of evolutive genetics and its applications.
  5. Demonstrate up-to-date knowledge of methods of molecular analysis of genetic and genomic variability.
  6. Apply the methodology and knowledge acquired in solving practical problems of evolutive genomics.
  7. Apply bibliographical information on genetic evolution to understand evolutive processes.
  8. Demonstrate responsibility in management of information and knowledge.
  9. Write a report that considers the use of the methodology used in the module to resolve a specific problem.
  10. Use scientific terminology to argue the results of the research and show how to communicate in spoken and written English in an international setting.
  11. Demonstrate up-to-date knowledge of the biocomputing methodology of interest in evolutive genetics.

Contents

The module covers the following topics:

  1. Introduction to Evolutionary Genetics – Prof. Isaac Salazar
  2. Adaptive Evolution: Natural Selection – Prof. Antonio Barbadilla
  3. Neutral Evolution: Mutation and Genetic Drift – Prof. Antonio Barbadilla
  4. The Origin of Life – Emeritus Prof. Mauro Santos
  5. Molecular Evolution and Enzyme Optimization – Prof. Isaac Salazar
  6. Phenotypic Evolution and Development – Prof. Isaac Salazar
  7. Evolution through Transposable Element Exaptation – Prof. Marta Coronado
  8. Sexual Selection and Copying – Emeritus Prof. Mauro Santos
  9. Evolutionary Genomics of Adaptation to Climate Change – Prof. Jaime Martínez Urtaza
  10. Conservation Genomics – Prof. Cinta Pegueroles
  11. Chromosome Evolution – Prof. Aurora Ruiz-Herrera
  12. Principles of Forensic DNA – Prof. Cinta Pegueroles
  13. Species and Speciation – Emeritus Prof. Antonio Fontdevila
  14. From Darwin to the Genome – Emeritus Prof. Antonio Fontdevila

Learning activities and methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Bibliographic search and critical analysis of scientific literature 30 1.2 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Preparation of the oral presentation 10 0.4 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Lectures and seminars on advanced topics in Evolutionary Genetics 28 1.12 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11
Individual study and integration of module contents 55 2.2 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Preparation of the written scientific report 23 0.92 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

The module combines lectures, seminars, independent work and active student participation.

Classroom sessions will introduce the theoretical foundations of each topic and discuss current questions, methodologies and applications in Evolutionary Genetics. Active participation and critical discussion of scientific concepts and research examples will be encouraged.

Students will carry out an individual project focused on a topic of their interest within the field of Evolutionary Genetics. This project will involve bibliographic research, critical analysis of the scientific literature, preparation of a written report and an oral presentation to the class.

The learning activities include:

  • Lectures and discussion sessions on advanced topics in Evolutionary Genetics.
  • Analysis and discussion of scientific literature.
  • Individual study and integration of module contents.
  • Independent bibliographic research.
  • Preparation of a written scientific report.
  • Oral presentation and discussion of the selected research topic.
Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title Weight Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Oral presentation and discussion of the individual project 20% 2 0.08 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Final exam 60% 2 0.08 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Written scientific report 10% 0 0 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Class attendance and active participation 10% 0 0 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Assessment will evaluate the acquisition of theoretical knowledge, the ability to critically analyse scientific information and the capacity to communicate scientific arguments effectively.

The assessment activities include:

  • Final exam (60%): Students will answer questions related to the concepts, ideas and scientific problems discussed throughout the module. The exam will evaluate the integration of knowledge and the ability to apply evolutionary reasoning to specific problems. A minimum grade of 4 out of 10 in this assessment activity is required to calculate the final weighted average.
  • Written scientific report (10%): Students will prepare a short scientific report on a topic related to Evolutionary Genetics. The report should demonstrate the ability to search and integrate scientific information, critically analyse current knowledge and present conclusions using appropriate scientific terminology. A minimum grade of 4 out of 10 in this assessment activity is required to calculate the final weighted average.
  • Oral presentation and discussion (20%): Students will present their selected topic to the class. The evaluation will consider the scientific quality of the presentation, clarity of communication, capacity for synthesis, use of scientific terminology and ability to answer questions. A minimum grade of 4 out of 10 in this assessment activity is required to calculate the final weighted average.
  • Class attendance and active participation (10%): Assessment will consider regular attendance, engagement in classroom activities and active participation in scientific discussions. Attendance to at least 80% of the classroom sessions is mandatory.

To pass the module, students must obtain a minimum final grade of 5 out of 10 and demonstrate adequate achievement of the learning outcomes associated with theoretical knowledge, critical thinking, scientific communication and application of concepts in Evolutionary Genetics.

Any irregularity committed during an assessment activity (academic misconduct, plagiarism, or improper use of AI, unless such use is expressly authorized in the course guide) that may lead to a significant change in the grade will result in that assessment activity being graded with a 0. If the course guide establishes that obtaining a minimum grade in that assessment activity is an essential requirement to pass the course, or if several irregularities occur in the assessment activities of the same course, the final grade for that course will be 0. In addition, disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against any student who commits any of these irregularities.

Bibliography

Basic bibliography

  • Barton, N. H., Briggs, D. E. G., Eisen, J. A., Goldstein, D. B., & Patel, N. H. (2007). Evolution. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, New York.
  • Fontdevila, A. (2011). The Dynamic Genome: A Darwinian Approach. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
  • Futuyma, D. J., & Kirkpatrick, M. (2023). Evolution (5th edition). Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Additional resources

Recent scientific articles and reviews related to the different topics of the module will be provided during the course.

Students are encouraged to consult scientific databases and journals related to Evolutionary Genetics, Molecular Evolution, Genomics, Evolutionary Genomics and Evolutionary Biology.

Software

No specific software is required for this module.

Students are encouraged to use bibliographic management tools (such as Zotero, Mendeley or similar software) for the preparation of their scientific report and presentation.

Additional computational resources or databases related to evolutionary and genomic analyses may be introduced during specific sessions when appropriate.

Course groups and languages

The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE

Type of teaching Group Language Semester Shift
(TEm) Theory (master) 1 English first semester morning-mixed