Molecular Evolution (BIOL 3046)
The aim of this course it to examine the principles and processes of evolutionary change at the molecular level. The course begins with the various sources of genetic mutation, and moves on to the dynamics of genetic variation in populations. The course then shifts to a macro-evolutionary perspective and examines topics in protein phenotypic variation, adaptive molecular evolution, molecular clocks, evolution by genetic co-option, and developmental evolution. This class is complementary to BIOL 4041(Bioinformatics), in that BIOL 4041 focuses on the use of computational techniques to study molecular evolutionary processes. I created this course in 2004 and teach the entire content.
Course web site: www.biol3046.info
Genetics and Molecular Biology (BIOL 2030)
Genetics, the study of genes, is a means to understand the function and propagation of cells and organisms. The power and prominence of modern genetics have grown from a blend of classical and molecular approaches; both of these approaches are emphasized in this class. Major topics discussed include: the structure and function of DNA, the nucleic acid that comprises genes and chromosomes; transmission genetics, concerned with the propagation of genetic information; gene function, the expression of genetic information; and manipulation of DNA (genes) by genetic engineering. A range of organisms is considered, including bacteria, single-celled and multicellular eukaryotes, and viruses. I began teaching 1/3 of this course in 2006.
Course web site: available via WEBCT at my.dal.ca
Dalhousie integrated Science Program (DISP): Bioinformatics module
DISP is an alternative and more interdisciplinary way for a science student to complete first-year university. Foundation concepts and techniques from different first-year introductory-level classes are integrated in DISP. Science topics, problems, and issues are addressed by presenting relevant scientific knowledge from the different science disciplines, to encourage DISP students to think across discipline boundaries. Classes are organized around central themes in science: measurement, structure, energy, conservation, change, and information. Relationships among disciplines are emphasized, and mathematical and statistical methods are applied to questions across the sciences.
I teach a module on Bioinformatics and Computational biology that is comprised of lecture material and on-line tutorials.
DISP program web site: http://www.registrar.dal.ca/CALENDAR/ug/DISP.htm
On-line tutorial in bioinformatics: http://myweb.dal.ca/js551958/Tutorial/Lab1.html
Workshop on Molecular Evolution (MBL, Woods Hole, MA, USA)
The Workshop on Molecular Evolution has been the finest course of its type in the world since it was started in 1988. The Workshop consists of a series of lectures, demonstrations and computer laboratories that cover various aspects of molecular evolution. A distinguishing feature of the Workshop is a well-equipped computer laboratory with Linux workstations and servers for comparative analysis of molecular data. Authors and experts in the use of computer programs and packages such as Clustal W and Clustal X, FASTA, GARLI, GCG, LAMARC, MrBayes, PAML, PAUP*, and PHYLIP provide demonstrations and consultations. This two-week program is designed for established investigators, postdoctoral fellows, and advanced graduate students with prior experience in molecular evolution and comparative genomics. Scientists with a strong interest in molecular evolution, systematics, and population genetics are encouraged to apply. Enrolment is limited to 60 students, and 15 students will be admitted to an extended topics session for the purpose of analyzing their research data sets. Many participants find the extended topics session to be especially useful. I have been a faculty member on this course in 2002, 2004- 2007.
Workshop web site: http://www.molecularevolution.org/
M.Sc. in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
This program is set within the framework of current interdisciplinary research conducted within Dalhousie. Students in this program will join a community of researchers in the fields of computational biology and bioinformatics. Resources from the faculty of Computer Science, Medicine and Science are coordinated to offer a flexible programme, with a limited course load and an emphasis on research activities. Students from a broad selection of backgrounds are invited to consider the program. Each candidate is supervised within the research group of their supervisor from the beginning of their tenure.
Program web site: http://vibrio.cs.dal.ca/bioinformatics/