In this course the student will become familiar with a range of analytical methods used to characterise the genetic structure of bacterial and fungal populations and to explore the evolution of pathogens. The course will cover:

• Methods relevant to a variety of molecular and phenotypic data.
• Discuss the relevant merits of different markers that can be used.
• Issues related to sample design and the pitfalls associated with various designs will be an important part of the course.
• Analyses to be covered, will for example, include basic summary statistics, methods for assigning genotypes to clonal groups, and techniques designed to identify and quantify the contribution of recombination to shaping the genetic structure of a population.
• Particular emphasis will be placed on the interpretation of the output of the different analytical methods covered in this course.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Analyse molecular population genetic data with web-based analytical programs
2. Understand the principles of Bayesian analyses and Markov chain Montecarlo simulations
3. Evaluate analysis programs for their applicability to a particular data set
4. Understand the principles and theory of population genetics
5. Interpret outputs of analyses

Assessment will be based on:

• Completion of computer-based tutorials to demonstrate skills in using analysis programs (40%; LO 1-4)
• Reflective tutorial reports to evaluate knowledge (40%; LO 2, 3, 4, 5)
• Essay to demonstrate critical analyses of data and understanding of computer-based analysis outputs (40%; LO 1-5)

Intensive workshop over 5 to 7 working days and supporting tutorials

Bachelor of Science or equivalent with a major in the field of biological science with relevant experience or academic achievement.  First year Biology, first year Genetics and first year Statistics are recommended. First year Chemistry is desirable.

Completion of BIOL6004 and BIOL6006