Europe

Note: European course pages are in the process of being updated!

Workshop on Molecular Evolution, Europe 2009

12 - 23 January 2009, individual research session 23 - 30 January 2009

Application Deadline: 1 September 2008

Application Form

Michael P. Cummings and Scott A. Handley, Co-Directors

The Workshop on Molecular Evolution has been the finest course on the subject since first offered in 1988 in Woods Hole, USA. The Workshop consists of a series of lectures, demonstrations and computer laboratories that cover various aspects of molecular evolution. Faculty are chosen exclusively for their effectiveness in teaching theory and practice in molecular evolution. Included among the faculty are developers and other experts in the use of computer programs and packages such as BLAST, BEAST, Clustal W and Clustal X, FASTA, FigTree, GARLI, LAMARC, MAFFT, MrBayes, PAML, PAUP*, and SeaView who provide demonstrations and consultations. The course is designed for established investigators, postdoctoral scholars, and advanced graduate students with prior experience in molecular evolution and related fields. Scientists with strong interests in molecular evolution, phylogenetics, population genetics, and related fields are encouraged to apply for admission. Lectures and computer laboratories total ~90 hours of scheduled instruction. An optional all-computer laboratory of 54+ hours of independent work with guidance and consultation of some faculty and teaching assistants is offered during the third week. Admission is limited and highly competitive, with admissions decisions determined by an international committee.

Topics to be covered include:

• Databases and sequence matching: database searching: protein sequence versus protein structure; homology; mathematical, statistical, and theoretical aspects of sequence database searches
• Phylogenetic analysis: theoretical, mathematical and statistical bases; sampling properties of sequence data; Bayesian analysis; hypothesis testing
• Maximum likelihood theory and practice in phylogenetics and population genetics: coalescent theory; maximum likelihood estimation of population genetic parameters
• Molecular evolution integrated at organism and higher levels: population biology; biogeography; ecology; systematics and conservation
• Molecular evolution and development: gene duplication and divergence; gene family organization; coordinated expression in evolution
• Comparative genomics: genome content; genome structure; genome evolution
• Molecular evolution integrated at lower levels: biochemistry; cell biology; physiology; relationship of genotype to phenotype

Český Krumlov, is situated on the banks of the Vltava (Moldau) River in Jihočeský kraj, Česká republika (South Bohemia, Czech Republic) and is considered one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe. The central region of town is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lectures will be held in the Town Theatere, which is traditionally styled, but modernly equipped. The computer laboratories will be in the House of Prelate, which dates to the 14th century, with design befitting its heritage.

2009 Fee: 1200 €, plus an additional 500 € for optional third week of all-computer laboratory for work on your own data with guidance and consultation of some faculty and teaching assistants (highly recommended). Fees include opening reception and mid-course dinner, but do not include other meals or housing. Special discounted pricing has been arranged for hotels, pensions and hostels.

Application Form