Human Genome Evolution

Recommended Prerequisites

None.

Teaching Methods

Teaching methods include: i) lectures on theorethical topics; ii) practical classes on laboratory techniques; and iii) practical classes on genetic data analysis using Arlequin and others computer programs. For grading purposes, two reports are required to be produced, each one documenting the ativities of both practical classes. Additionally, it is also required to complete two short tests about theoretical concepts and theories, each corresponding to 25% of the global evaluation.

Learning Outcomes

The main goal of this curricular unit is to provide an introduction on: i) the genome diversity, essential to understand the evolutionary history of Homo sapiens; ii) the importance of the evolutionary history of the species to understand the current human biolgy; iii) laboratory methods for extracting and studying DNA sequences; and iv) the analytical methods that are used to determine allelic frequencies, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and genetic distance.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

II. Humans' evolutionary history revealed by the genome

1. DNA dating methods: molecular clocks and evolution timeline

2. Genetic differences between humans and other primates

3. Gene-culture coevolution

4. Ancient DNA revealed data from both Neanderthals and their interbreeding with modern human ancestors

II. Humans' evolutionary history applied to the field of biomedicine

1. Understanding cancer onset and developing new therapeutic approaches using evolutionary theory

2. Researching infectious diseases through an evolutionary perspective

3. Development of the skeleton and its implications for health and longevity

4. Evolutionary medicine

IV. Laboratory practices

1. DNA extraction from body tissues, and genotyping

2. Bioinformatic analysis of genotypes and DNA sequences.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria Manuela Pratas Alvarez

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Laboratory work or Field work: 50.0%
Mini Tests: 50.0%

Bibliography

Jobling et al., (2014). Human Evolutionary Genetics 2th Edition. Garland Science (New York, United States of America)

Reich, D. (2018). Who We Are and How We Got Here. Oxford University Press (Oxford, Great Britain).

Paabo, S. (2019). O Homem de Neandertal. Em busca dos Genomas Perdidos. Gradiva (Lisboa, Portugal).

Strachan T., Read A. (2018). Human Molecular Genetics 5th Edition. Taylor and Francis Group (London, Great Britain).

Dolgova, O., & Lao, O. (2018). Medicine in the Light of Evolution. Genes, 10(1), 3.

Nesse R. M. (2018). Tinbergen's four questions: Two proximate, two evolutionary. Evolution, medicine, and public health, 2019(1), 2.