Introduction to Molecular Ecology

Molecular tools are an integral part of studies aimed at describing and characterizing biodiversity. The course will aim to introduce various molecular approaches (barcoding, metabarcoding, and environmental DNA, etc.) that enable (1) the description, characterization, and quantification of this diversity at the intra- or interspecific levels, as well as at the population and ecosystem levels, and (2) the presentation of their areas of application across different temporal and spatial scales. The course will incorporate practical components designed to introduce students to these techniques, help them implement them, analyze the resulting data, and report on their findings. Emphasis will be placed on group work in collaboration with researchers and faculty members.

Specific skills:

- use one or more molecular biology techniques to generate molecular data;

- analyze molecular data, particularly with regard to diversity

General Skills:

- Apply fundamental concepts and technologies in molecular biology to address an eco-evolutionary issue related to the analysis of diversity and/or to analyze a research paper or presentation

- Interpret experimental data

- Identify the different steps in an experimental process

- Be able to develop a logical argument using critical thinking

- Take charge of a lab project

- Identify specific regulations and implement key preventive measures related to health and safety.