BIOL 7700 - Tree Thinking: Phylogenetic Concepts and Practice

Meets with BIOL 5700. The primary aim of this course is to provide graduate students with a thorough understanding of contemporary phylogenetic analysis. Emphasis is on computer laboratory sessions using modern phylogenetics software. Integral to the computer sessions will be lectures and discussion to insure that the student not only understands the underlying rationale for various methods encountered in the literature, but also to permit independent analyses and interpretation of results using the most appropriate methods. In addition to homework and class work, the graduate student will develop and carry out a phylogenetic analysis to complement thesis research work as appropriate.