Integrative Biology 200A
Principles of Phylogenetics: Systematics

Spring 2012 meeting time:
Tuesday and Thursday, 12:30 - 3:30 pm, room 3083 VLSB

"Principles of Phylogenetics: Systematics" (IB200A) covers the core theory and methodology for comparative biology: phylogenetic analysis with emphases on both morphology and molecules, and both living and fossil organisms. Labs are closely integrated with lectures and will cover the major algorithms and computer software used to implement these approaches. This class is meant for graduate students and advanced undergraduates. Requirements include participation in discussion, two exams, and a term project.

This project will be a phylogenetic analysis of the interrelationships among a set of taxa using all major available methodologies. In addition to a written report in the form of a journal publication, projects results will be presented in a mini-symposium at the end of the term. We encourage you to focus on organisms that you are studying for your thesis or other research, making this course is an excellent way to accomplish preliminary research suitable for later funding requests, etc.

IB 200A is taught every other Spring semester (in even-numbered years) and alternates with IB 200B, "Principles of Phylogenetics: Ecology and Evolution" (taught in odd-numbered years.) Both are intended for graduate students and advanced undergraduates. IB 200A covers the core theory and methodology for tree building, while IB 200B covers the many important uses of phylogenetic trees for addressing questions in ecology, evolution, development, functional morphology, populational genetics, conservation, biogeogeography, and speciation.

Instructors:
David R. Lindberg, professor, Integrative Biology
phone: 510-642-3926
email: drl@berkeley.edu

Brent Mishler, professor, Integrative Biology
phone: 510-642-6810
e-mail: bmishler@berkeley.edu

Kip Will, associate professor, Environmental Science, Policy & Management
phone: 510-642-4296
e-mail: kipwill@berkeley.edu

GSI:
Michael J. Landis, Integrative Biology
Office hours: TBA
phone: 510-643-6299
email: mlandis@berkeley.edu