Course overview
This course aims to provide advanced practical experience in systematics, evolution and the fossil record and the application of these to the study of the evolution and conservation of biodiversity. Students will use research approaches employed in a range of key topics in evolutionary biology and apply critical thinking through practical, project, and fieldwork. Practical and project topics may include: past climates and habitats and how they have shaped the present day Australian biota; evolutionary trees; morphological and molecular systematics, ancient DNA; molecular clocks; biogeography; extinction; and computational challenges for processing and interpreting large-scale genomic data in phylogeography. The course will include a compulsory 4-day field camp to study the extinct terrestrial biota of South Australia.
Course learning outcomes
- Analyse, synthesise and critically evaluate cutting-edge practical methodologies to problems in evolutionary biology and demonstrate an understanding of the importance of evolutionary studies as a foundation of comparative biology
- Demonstrate skills in the design and execution of a research project, including statistically sound sampling strategies and the analysis and interpretation of methodologies for the reconstruction and interpretation of phylogenetic and biogeographic patterns and processes;
- Understand the importance of the fossil record in evolutionary studies and the role of phylogenetic studies in the widercontext of biodiversity and conservation
- Present experimental results relating to the Australian biota in a written and oral form that aligns with conventions for scientific reports and discuss scientific matters of current international interest in an informed manner
- Demonstrate team-oriented management of projects, especially communication with peers.