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SL50182: Molecular phylogenetics and epidemiology (BB50253)

[Page last updated: 26 October 2023]

Academic Year: 2023/24
Owning Department/School: Department of Life Sciences
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.

Course availability:

SL50182 is Optional (DEU) on the following courses:

Department of Life Sciences
  • RSSL-AFM07 : Integrated PhD Molecular Biosciences (Bioinformatics)
  • TSSL-AFM01 : MSc Molecular Biosciences (Bioinformatics)
  • TSSL-AWM01 : MSc Molecular Biosciences (Bioinformatics)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2023/24 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2024/25 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2023/24.
  • Courses 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.
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