Complex biological systems arise from interactions between molecules, cells, organisms, and their environment. The genome serves as the blueprint for these interactions and is shaped by 4 billion years of evolution. With advances in sequencing technologies, researchers can now collect large-scale genomic datasets from species, populations, and environments. In this course, students explore how such data is analyzed to generate new insights into genome evolution, organization, and function.
The course is structured in three parts. In the first five weeks, students learn about genome structure and the evolutionary processes that leave detectable patterns in genome sequences. They are introduced to the bioinformatic methods that identify these patterns in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. In the last four weeks, students conduct a small-group research project, applying theoretical and practical skills to analyze large-scale data, evaluate results, and formulate biological hypotheses. They also write and peer-review a research proposal and present findings in a mini-symposium. Work formats include lectures, flipped-classroom discussions, computer practicals, literature reviews, group projects, and written/oral presentations.