BIOL331

Examines how molecular genetic techniques are used to study ecological and evolutionary processes in natural populations. Relying heavily on the primary literature, explores methods for evaluating population genetic structure, studying the adaptation of organisms to changing environments, and assessing quantitative predictions from ecological and evolutionary theory. Applied topics covered include molecular identification, hybridization, conservation genetics, transgene escape, the evolution of invasive species, and environmental genomics. The laboratory will emphasize experimental design and training in molecular techniques commonly used in molecular ecology.