Use the Tab and Up, Down arrow keys to select menu items.
An introduction to the genetics and evolution of biological invasions, including the use of molecular tools to answer applied questions regarding the source and spread of introduced organisms.
Goals of the courseTo introduce students to the genetics and evolution of invasive species, to develop an understanding of the evolution of invasiveness and to provide skills in the use of molecular tools to answer applied questions regarding the source and spread of introduced organisms.
The Student will:1. An appreciation of the scale of biological invasions in New Zealand2. The ability to interpret and evaluate primary literature using molecular tools ininvasion biology3. Understand the application of molecular tools to identify species, source populations,individuals and invasion routes from genetic data4. An appreciation of the role of genetic variation in biological invasions5. An understanding of the importance of hybridisation in the invasion process6. An understanding of the impact of invasive species on the genetics and evolution ofnon-invasive species.Transferable Skills RegisterSynthesising information. In everyday life and in many job situations you will be required toread information from different sources, construct your own understanding and shape yourown viewpoint. In the lectures and research proposal assessment you will develop yourabilities to identify the essential elements of research outputs.Preparation of a research grant proposal. Obtaining funding is a requirement in all fields ofscience. In the research proposal assessment you will learn how to prepare a grantapplication in which you will request funding for a novel research project. This will involvedeveloping skills in formulating clear objectives, preparing a concise review of the literatureto support the proposal, and a detailed summary of the methods you plan to use to completethe proposed study.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
BIOL271
Ian Dickie
Hazel Chapman and Sarah Flanagan
Library portalLearn Site Course Outline
Feedback from Previous Course Surveys:Student ratings 20141. This was a well organised course 5.02. Course helped to stimulate my interest 4.73. Workload appropriate 4.34. Opportunities for active student participation 4.35. Feedback was helpful and timely 5.06. Overall, this was a good quality course 4.3The following issues were raised in written feedback by students at the end of the course. Theresponses were collated by the course coordinator and common responses scored. Action taken in response to feedback is indicated in CAPITALS.Which aspects of this course were most positive?The research proposal was challenging but a good experience.I enjoyed the project topic and thought it was a good way to learn about preparing proposals,which will be useful in my professional life as a scientist.Really good lecturers. Approachable and friendly.The summary (review) lectures were incredibly helpful.How could this course be enhanced to assist your learning?Offering a 'tutorial' or something in which to ask questions/more explanation about theproposal would be really helpful. WE HAVE ADDED A TUTORIAL SECTION, IN PART TO ADDRESS THIS.
Domestic fee $865.00
International fee $3,788.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Biological Sciences .