BIOL565-18A (HAM)

Molecular Ecology

15 Points

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Faculty of Science and Engineering
Te Mātauranga Pūtaiao me te Pūkaha
School of Science

Staff

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Convenor(s)

Chrissen Gemmill

Chrissen Gemmill
4053
CD.1.01
To be advised
chrissen.gemmill@waikato.ac.nz

Lecturer(s)

Craig Cary

Craig Cary
4593
TRU.G.23
To be advised
craig.cary@waikato.ac.nz

Administrator(s)

Placement Coordinator(s)

Tutor(s)

Student Representative(s)

Lab Technician(s)

Librarian(s)

: cheryl.ward@waikato.ac.nz
: debby.dada@waikato.ac.nz

You can contact staff by:

  • Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
  • Extensions starting with 4, 5 or 9 can also be direct dialled:
    • For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 5: dial +64 7 858 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 9: dial +64 7 837 extension.
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Paper Description

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This paper is open to students interested in molecular ecology, systematics, and environmental molecular biology. Topics covered include molecular microbial ecology, and phylogenetics, and barcoding the tree of life.


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Paper Structure

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The course will be taught through lectures, interactive seminars, practical experiences, and student lead roundtable discussions. Attendance at all seminars and discussions is required.

Lectures: Monday 11:00 am - 1:00 pm in K.3.19.

Practical classes: There will be one short visit to the sequencing facility on campus. In addition, BIOL565 students are invited to attend the BIOEB201 labs to gain hands-on experience with DNA extractions, PCR, sequence editing and phylogenetic analysis. BIOEB201 labs are Mon and Tues 2-5PM and Tue 10AM-1PM, every other week. Please contact Chrissen ASAP if you are interested.
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Learning Outcomes

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Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:

  • Read and comprehend a diverse set of new literature covering a broad spectrum of the field of Molecular ecology.
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Be able to interpret phylogenetic trees and understand the general differences in the various methods of construction
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  • Understand the use of molecular genetic tools to address questions broadly in the fields of ecology, evolution, and biosystematics.
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  • Explain and integrate the results from a range of environmental studies including barcoding approaches to biodiversity inventories, and plant molecular systematics and biogeography.
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  • Understand some of the cutting edge methods being developed and used in the field including quantitative PCR (QPCR), new generation sequencing, genomics and bioinformatics
    Linked to the following assessments:
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Assessment

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Information on Assessments can be found here
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Assessment Components

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The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 30:70. There is no final exam. The final exam makes up 70% of the overall mark.

The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 30:70 or 0:0, whichever is more favourable for the student. The final exam makes up either 70% or 0% of the overall mark.

Component DescriptionDue Date TimePercentage of overall markSubmission MethodCompulsory
1. PRESENTATION 1 and discussion of papers
26 Mar 2018
8:30 AM
5
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
  • Presentation: In Class
2. PRESENTATION 2 and discussion of papers
14 May 2018
8:30 AM
5
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
  • Presentation: In Class
3. PRESENTATION 3 Pecha Kucha style
28 May 2018
4:00 PM
20
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
  • Presentation: In Class
4. Exam
70
✔
Assessment Total:     100    
Failing to complete a compulsory assessment component of a paper will result in an IC grade
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Required and Recommended Readings

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Required Readings

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Required readings will be posted to Moodle.
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Recommended Readings

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Suggested general texts might include but are not required: Hall, B.G., 2004. Phylogenetic Trees made Easy (2nd edn), Sinauer Assoc. Inc, Sunderland MA. , and T. Beebee and G. Rowe, 2008. An Introduction to Molecular Ecology (2nd edn.), Oxford University Press. We will rely on numerous papers from the literature and other books. Many suggested reading and essential materials will be found on Moodle


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Other Resources

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Additional Resources and Recommended Readings will be posted on Moodle
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Online Support

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This paper has a Moodle page (http://elearn.waikato.ac.nz) where you will be able to access pdfs of lecture notes and powerpoints, lecture recordings, and reading material. There are also discussion forums where you can both ask and answer questions.

PLEASE NOTE: Moodle will be used for class notices etc 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.


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Workload

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Seminars 22 h

Practical Optional

Reading/seminar preparation 50 h

Assignments 50 h

Exam preparation 28 h

These are estimates only


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Linkages to Other Papers

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BIOL 560/561 (Was BIOL513) Biological management and ecology of freshwaters, BIOL 562/563 (Was BIOL514) Marine and estuarine ecology, BIOL 570/571 (Was BIOL521) Plant ecology and restoration, BIOL 584/585 (Was BIOL510) genetics, BIOL 572/573 (BIOL533) Animal behaviour and conservation, BIOL 580/581 (Was BIOL541) Microbiology


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Prerequisite(s)

Prerequisites: BIOL310, BIOL312, BIOL313, BIOL314, BIOL326, BIOL338 or BIOL341

Corequisite(s)

Equivalent(s)

Restriction(s)

Restricted papers: BIOL522

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