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BB50253: Molecular phylogenetics and epidemiology

[Page last updated: 02 August 2022]

Academic Year: 2022/23
Owning Department/School: Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Credits: 15 [equivalent to 30 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 300
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Academic Year
Assessment Summary: CW 30%, EX 40%, OR 30%
Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (CW 30%)
  • Examination (EX 40%)
  • Presentation (OR 30%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: By the end of this unit you will be able to:
* Critically compare and evaluate methods of inference and interpretation of evolutionary relationships using molecular sequence data;
* Understand how these methods can be applied to large genomic datasets of bacteria to determine rates and routes of disease transmission;
* Develop an in-depth case study on bacterial evolution/epidemiology and present the case study as a seminar.

Aims: The unit aims to provide a broad theoretical basis of phylogenetic inference using molecular data, with the applied use of these methodologies to studying the genomic evolution and epidemiology of bacteria.

Content: Topics include
* Inference and interpretation of evolutionary relationships using molecular sequence data and how this process is both informed by and informs our understanding of molecular evolution.
* Practical skills in molecular phylogenetic inference
* Key concepts in molecular epidemiology and evolution of bacterial pathogens.

Programme availability:

BB50253 is Optional (DEU) on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry
  • RSBB-AFM48 : Integrated PhD Molecular Biosciences (Bioinformatics)
  • TSBB-AFM48 : MSc Molecular Biosciences (Bioinformatics)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2022/23 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2023/24 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2022/23.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.