Overview
In the previous course in the Specialization, we learned how to compare genes, proteins, and genomes.
One way we can use these methods is in order to construct a "Tree of Life" showing how a large collection of related organisms have evolved over time.
In the first half of the Molecular Evolution (Bioinformatics IV) offered by Coursera in partnership with UC San Diego, we will discuss approaches for evolutionary tree construction that have been the subject of some of the most cited scientific papers of all time, and show how they can resolve quandaries from finding the origin of a deadly virus to locating the birthplace of modern humans.
In the second half of the course, we will shift gears and examine the old claim that birds evolved from dinosaurs.
How can we prove this?
In particular, we will examine a result that claimed that peptides harvested from a T. rex fossil closely matched peptides found in chickens. In particular, we will use methods from computational proteomics to ask how we could assess whether this result is valid or due to some form of contamination.
Finally, you will learn how to apply popular bioinformatics software tools to reconstruct an evolutionary tree of ebolaviruses and identify the source of the recent Ebola epidemic that caused global headlines.
Get more details
Visit programme websiteProgramme Structure
Courses include:
- Evolutionary Tree Construction
- More Algorithms for Constructing Trees from Distance Matrices
- Constructing Evolutionary Trees from Characters
- Resolving the T. rex Peptides Mystery?
- Bioinformatics Application Challenge
Check out the full curriculum
Visit programme websiteKey information
Duration
- Part-time
- 1 days
Start dates & application deadlines
Language
Delivered
Disciplines
Biology Bioinformatics & Biostatistics View 30 other Short Courses in Biology in United StatesExplore more key information
Visit programme websiteAcademic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.
Other requirements
General requirements
- Intermediate level
- Some related experience required
Make sure you meet all requirements
Visit programme websiteTuition Fee
-
International
FreeTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 0 USD for the full programme during 1 days. -
National
FreeTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 0 USD for the full programme during 1 days.
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Funding
Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. You'll need to complete this step for each course in the Specialization, including the Capstone Project.