Phylogenetic analysis and systematics of Capparaceae, Cleomaceae, Brassicaceae, and Brassicales. Molecular systematics; evolution of floral form. Developmental evolutionary biology. Evolution of fruit morphology, specifically Brassicaceae. Field and herbarium studies of tropical plants,specifically Capparaceae. Field studies of Old World Capparaceae.
Methods for inferring evolutionary trees and their applications to the fields of comparative biology, molecular evolution, and systematics. Topics to be covered include phylogenetic inference, molecular evolution integrated at the organismal and population level, and evolutionary developmental genetics. Labs emphasize practical experience in data analysis. Prerequisite: BIOL 335 or consent of instructor. BIOL 380 or 392 recommended. Credit cannot be obtained for both BIOL 421 and BIOL 521. Offered in alternate years.
Fall Term 2022Methods for inferring evolutionary trees and their applications to the fields of comparative biology, molecular evolution, and systematics. Topics to be covered include phylogenetic inference, molecular evolution integrated at the organismal and population level, and evolutionary developmental genetics. Labs emphasize practical experience in data analysis. Lectures and labs are the same as BIOL 421, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Credit cannot be obtained for both BIOL 421 and BIOL 521. Offered in alternate years.
Fall Term 2022Approaches to the classification and evolution of seed plants with emphasis on flowering plants. The diversity and relationships of seed plants are examined from a phylogenetic perspective. Topics include practical and theoretical aspects of species description, nomenclature and phylogeny interpretation, with a focus on the characteristics and significance of the major plant families in Alberta and from around the world. Prerequisite: BIOL 108 or SCI 100. BOT 205 recommended.
Winter Term 2023