BIOL 655 - Phylogenetic Methods

Units: 3
Provides students with the knowledge required to collect, analyze and interpret molecular sequence data using phylogenetic methodologies. Topics include aligning molecular sequence data, analyzing data with parsimony, likelihood and Bayesian methods, and utilizing phylogenetic information for hypothesis testing. Lecture Units: 2; Lab Units: 1.

Prerequisites: M.S. Biological Science major.
Equivalent Quarter Course: BIOL 6550.
Possible Instructional Methods: Entirely On-ground.
Grading: A-F grading only.
Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Edit and assemble molecular sequence data into aligned data sets ready for phylogenetic analysis.
Explain the theory behind the various types of phylogenetic analyses.
Apply the most suitable phylogenetic analyses to specific types of data.
Explain the models of nucleotide substitution implemented by both Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian analysis methods.
Interpret the results of phylogenetic analyses and communicate these in both written and verbal form.
Apply methods of phylogenetic analysis to further test evolutionary and ecological hypotheses.
tilize the broad range of software packages available to edit and analyze molecular sequence data.