This paper will be taught through a combination of lecturer- and student-led seminars and discussions based on a variety of key concepts in fundamental and applied aspects of Evolutionary and Environmental Genomics.

A new topic will be addressed in a 2 hour discussion session each week. These sessions will consist of an introduction to the topic that includes discussion of a review paper and an empirical paper. Students will read these papers before class and participate in a discussion with their classmates during the session. During the course, each student will also present 1-2 seminars based on a self-selected paper on their assigned topic. During presentations, the student giving the seminar will be expected to lead a discussion afterwards, during which all classmates are expected to participate.

The two major assessments during the course include: (1) a group-assisted project that involves writing a short research proposal and associated budget and video pitch for a pressing problem in evolutionary and environmental genomics that can be addressed using one of the methods discussed in the course; and (2) an essay based on a topic of the student's choice with approval from the course coordinator - during the semester, students will meet with the convener to discuss their chosen topic and will hand in a one-page draft, which will be peer reviewed by a classmate, before handing in the final assessment.

There will be FIVE modes of assessment for this course.

(1) Group-assisted Research Proposal pitching a solution to a pressing problem in fundamental or applied evolutionary and environmental genomics that uses one of the methods covered in the course. This assessment is compromised of several components: a) written text (c 1500-2000 words; 20%); a budget (5%); c) a video (10%). Groups will work together to assist with idea brainstorming and filming, but each individual will submit their own unique report.

(2) Essay exploring an issue of special interest to the student within the field of fundamental or applied evolutionary and environmental genomics. This assessment is comprised of several components: a) Meeting with course convener to develop topic choice; b) a draft one-page summary for peer review feedback; c) the final version of the essay after feedback (c 1500-2000 words; 20%). If students chose a fundamental topic for (1), they will need to choose an applied topic for (2), and vice versa.

(3) Peer review of classmates' essay one-pager (10%). Each student will peer review one of their classmates' essay one-page draft and provide feedback in the structure of a typical manuscript review. Students will receive guidance on the art of peer review prior.

(4) Student-led seminars and discussion (2 x 10% each = 20%). Each student will give two presentations during class time, where they will have chosen a recent paper that builds on the theme of their assigned weeks' session. The student will give a 15 minute powerpoint presentation followed by a 30 minute discussion with classmates. Marks will reflect both the presentation itself and the ability of the student to lead a lively discussion. In the event that two seminars per student is not feasible, the second seminar will be replaced with a short (500 words) paper summary based on a paper the student has selected for their assigned week, with students guided on how to write effective paper summaries prior.

(5) Class participation (15%). During each of the taught sessions, students will be assessed on their contribution to lecturer- and student-led discussions.

This paper has a Moodle page (http://elearn.waikato.ac.nz) where you will be able to access PDF files of any lecture notes, recordings, readings, and assessment materials.

PLEASE NOTE: Moodle will be used for class notices and discussion topics, and it is your responsibility to check the site regularly. Instructions provided on Moodle and in lectures are considered to be given to the class as a whole. Any changes to the schedule will be posted on Moodle. Paper materials are copyright and must not be passed on to third parties.