The module examines how we can use DNA and protein sequences to investigate evolutionary relationships among organisms. The subject matter includes the alignment of DNA and protein sequences, the way in which DNA and protein sequences evolve and how these processes can be modeled, the construction of evolutionary trees (phylogenies) to determine relationships among organisms, and the use of molecular clocks to place evolutionary events within a timeframe. The course provides numerous examples of the uses of molecular sequence data in evolutionary studies, highlighting the way in which sequence data are revolutionising our understanding of the living world and shows how understanding molecular evolution to produce accurate trees is crucial to understanding evolutionary mechanisms. In depth examples include the uses of molecular data to resolve the deep-level relationships in the ‘tree of life’ (relationships among the 3 domains of life), the origins of mitochondria and chloroplasts, and the application of molecular data to study relationships in the Mammalia and in particular the Cetacea. The use of molecular data in understanding phylogeography is also discussed, with particular emphasis on the recolonisation of Europe following the retreat of the ice at the end of the last glacial period. We also discuss the uses of genomic data to examine evolution.

The module discusses how DNA and protein sequences evolve over time and how we can use DNA and protein sequence data to investigate evolutionary relationships among organisms. The subject matter includes the alignment of DNA and protein sequences, the way in which DNA and protein sequences evolve and how these processes can be modelled, the construction of evolutionary trees, and the use of molecular clocks to place evolutionary events within a timeframe.