Module manager: Simon Goodman
Email: s.j.goodman@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Evolutionary and population demographic processes such as natural selection, migration, and fluctuations in population size all leave characteristic signatures in the patterns of genetic variation present within species, including humans. This module covers the fundamental concepts of how we can interpret these patterns in allelic and DNA sequence variation to gain insights into how evolution works, the population and evolutionary histories of individual species, as well as the practical applications of such knowledge, including understanding the genetic basis of diseases in humans, and traits in agricultural species.
On completion of the module students will be familiar with the key concepts and methodological approaches that help us to interpret patterns of genetic variation in order to understand the process of evolution, reconstruct evolutionary histories for humans and other species, and be able to apply this knowledge practically in disease and agricultural contexts.
They will have an appreciation of the historical development of the relevant topics, as well as current advances in evolutionary genomics research. This will both provide direct content-specific learning as well as providing insight into the process of scientific research and the development of knowledge.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Describe and discuss the roles of natural selection, migration and drift in evolution, and how these process shape patterns of genetic variation in populations and species
2. Evaluate the conceptual basis that allows us to describe and quantify key analytical frameworks in evolution and population genetics
3. Appraise and critique the breadth of current evolutionary genomic research, and the research techniques involved.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Describe and analyse population genetic variation and test population genetic hypotheses using appropriate techniques.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 18 | 1 | 18 |
| Practical | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Private study hours | 76 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 24 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
The computer practical classes will be assessed on a formative basis. These classes allow students to assess their understanding of core concepts from the lectures by analysing and interpreting genetic data using methods and principles presented in the lectures.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Open Book exam | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 14/03/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team