Evolutionary biology, UK

The Institute of Genetics within the School of Biology at the University of
Nottingham offers the following MRes courses in Evolution for start
September 2007:

Evolutionary Biology:
The MRes in Evolutionary Biology involves the study of adaptation of
organisms to their environment, at the whole organism and molecular scales.
Studies available include the evolutionary and behavioural ecology of
insects and mammals and other species, genetic variation in wild populations
of fungi, ecological genetics, and the interface between evolution and
development. In addition, a number of researchers are interested in
estimation of the deep phylogeny of major groups of organisms, such as
pulmonate molluscs and protists. One of our staff members, Angus Davison,
uses an evolutionary approach to attempt to understand the origin of the use
of 'sex' darts during courtship in slugs and worms.

Molecular Evolution:
The MRes in Molecular Evolution involves the study of the evolutionary
relationships among organisms and gene families using molecular methods,
with evolutionary trees (phylogenies) generated from the analysis of DNA and
protein sequences. The programme involves both laboratory work (DNA
extraction, PCR and sequencing) and bioinformatics (DNA sequence alignment
and phylogeny reconstruction). Research areas within which projects are
available include: studies on the evolutionary relationships in the molluscs
(in particular the land snails) and the link between molluscan phylogenies
and biogeography; studies on the molecular taxonomy of spiders and the link
between rates of molecular and morphological diversification; studies on the
evolution of spider silk gene families and the relationship between silk
diversification and speciation; studies on the phylogeny of the foraminifera
and the distribution of different genetic types across the oceans; and
studies on genetic diversity and cryptic speciation in nematodes.

Population Genetics:
The MRes in Population genetics involves the study of the genetic variation
that exists in wild populations, and the forces, such as selection, mutation
and genetic drift, that shape this variation. Particular interests in the
School involve the molecular genetic variation of humans, and variation in
wild populations of molluscs, foraminiferans and Drosophila. Projects may
include studies on molecular evolution and phylogenetics using computer
analysis of DNA and protein sequences; the genetic changes that are
associated with speciation; evolution of transposable elements; and the
population genetics of genome structure.

Comparative Genomics:
With whole genome sequences being available for numerous organisms across
all kingdoms of life, numerous questions concerning genome evolution to gene
function, phylogenetic relationships to genetic and metabolic networks,
genotype to phenotype of complex traits, can be addressed through
comparative genomics. Bioinformatic analysis of related genomes leads to
testable hypotheses. Research available covers all of these areas.

For further details of our MRes courses and the applications procedure
please see
http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/biology/courses/taught-msc/research.phtml

For information on research within the Evolutionary Biology group at the
University of Nottingham please see
http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/genetics/research/peg.php


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