Molecular Evolution, BIOL671

The course covers the field of molecular evolution from basic foundations through advanced concepts. Among the topics covered are the patterns and processes of DNA sequence variation, transposable element dynamics, gene duplication and loss, genome organization. Relevant concepts from genetics (classical, molecular, population), biochemistry, and phylogenetics will be covered. The course consists of readings, lectures, discussions and written assignments.

Meeting time: Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30-10:45 am

Meeting place: Biomolecular Sciences Building, Room 3118

Text: Graur, D., and W.-H. Li. 2000. Fundamentals of Molecular Evolution, Second Edition, Sinauer Associates. Additional readings from the literature will be assigned throughout the course, and many of these readings will be from the most recent issues of relevant journals.

Other books or book chapters that might be helpful include Molecular Evolution (Li 1997), Molecular Evolutionary Genetics (Nei 1987), phylogenetic inference chapter in Molecular Systematics (Swofford et al. 1996), Molecular Evolution: A Phylogenetic Approach (Page and Holmes 1998), several chapters in The Phylogenetic Handbook: A Practical Approach to DNA and Protein Phylogeny (Salemi and Vandamme 2003) (see review), and other relevant references.

Grading procedures: Grades will be based on course project (0.6), review of two course projects (0.2), and class participation (0.2).

Academic Accommodations: If you have a documented disability, you should contact Disability Support Services 0126 Shoemaker Hall. Each semester students with documented disabilities should apply to DSS for accommodation request forms which you can provide to your professors as proof of your eligibility for accommodations. The rules for eligibility and the types of accommodations a student may request can be reviewed on the DSS web site at http://www.counseling.umd.edu/DSS/receiving_serv.html.

Religious Observances: The University System of Maryland policy provides that students should not be penalized because of observances of their religious beliefs, students shall be given an opportunity, whenever feasible, to make up within a reasonable time any academic assignment that is missed due to individual participation in religious observances. It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any intended absences for religious observances in advance. Notice should be provided as soon as possible but no later than the end of the schedule adjustment period. Faculty should further remind students that prior notification is especially important in connection with final exams, since failure to reschedule a final exam before the conclusion of the final examination period may result in loss of credits during the semester. The problem is especially likely to arise when final exams are scheduled on Saturdays.

Academic integrity: The University of Maryland has a nationally recognized Code of Academic Integrity, administered by the Student Honor Council. This Code sets standards for academic integrity at Maryland for all undergraduate and graduate students. As a student you are responsible for upholding these standards for this course. It is very important for you to be aware of the consequences of cheating, fabrication, facilitation, and plagiarism. For more information on the Code of Academic Integrity or the Student Honor Council, please visit http://www.studenthonorcouncil.umd.edu/whatis.html

The University of Maryland is one of a small number of universities with a student-administered Honors Code and an Honors Pledge, available on the web at http://www.jpo.umd.edu/aca/honorpledge.html. The code prohibits students from cheating on exams, plagiarizing papers, submitting the same paper for credit in two courses without authorization, buying papers, submitting fraudulent documents, and forging signatures. The University Senate encourages instructors to ask students to write the following signed statement on each examination or assignment: "I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this examination (or assignment).”