New this year are the optional crash courses, two intensive parallel courses concerning "Spatial Models in Biology", and "Molecular Techniques and Evolutionary Biology". Each course can hold a maximum of 15 people. Participants to a course receive 1 internationally recognized credit point. To participate in one of the courses a certain level of prescience is needed, generally 2-3 years in biology with some general knowledge on the subjects will do. Both courses are mostly practical but there will also be lectures to deepen the subjects.
Registrations can be done by filling in the registration form which can be found on the registration page on this site. Note that participants in a crash course pay an additional 50 guilders/23 euro.
Spatial Models in Biology
day 1
10.00 - 11.00 Lecture 1. Introduction + Model formalisms
11.15 - 12.00 Lecture 2. Classification of Patterns + Tools
lunch
13.00 - 15.00 Computer Practical. Demonstration + Tutorial
15.00 - 17.00 Mini-Projects
day 2
10.00 - 11.00 Lecture 3. Examples - Spirals and Spots cause novel Evolutionary Phenomena
11.00 - 12.00 Lecture 4. Examples - the Evolution of Cooperation
lunch
13.00 - 15.00 Mini-Projects
15.00 - 17.00 Presentation + Discussion
Outline:
The course aims to give an overview of current techniques and theory in the effects of spatial pattern formation in biological systems. Emphasis will lie on spatial patterns in the distribution of populations, such as patchy distributions, wave-like outbreaks, and turbulent patterns. Various spatial model formalisms, including Cellular Automata, Coupled Map Lattices, Patch Models, Individual Based Models, and Partial Differential Equations will be discussed. These models reflect choices in discrete vs. continuous variables, stochastic vs. deterministic next-state functions, and event-based vs. individual-based computation. The effects of spatial patterns on stability, dynamics, and evolution of biological systems will be demonstrated. In the mini-projects students can apply some of the modelling techniques to a "real" problem from predator-prey dynamics, epidemiology, coral reef ecosystems, or an own topic of choice. The course will be very intensive and success heavily depends on enthusiasm and motivation of participants. Previous (computer) modelling experience is not required.
Organisers: Dr. M. Boerlijst & K. Klumpers
Molecular Techniques and Evolutionary Biology
day 1
10.00 - 11.00 Lecture 1. Overview Molecular Tools: Pros and Cons
11.15 - 12.00 Lecture 2. DNA sequences in population genetics and phylogeny
lunch
13.00 - 17.00 Practical: DNA isolation, PCR, Gel Preparation + Demonstration DNA sequencing
day 2
10.00 - 11.00 Practical: Restriction Enzyme Analysis
11.15 - 12.00 Lecture 3. Examples - Wolbachia: bacterial manipulators of insect reproduction
12.15 - 13.00 Practical: Gel Electrophoresis
lunch
14.00 - 17.00 Test Practical: Gel Interpretation + Phylogeny Reconstruction (RFLP, Clustal Alignement, PAUP)
Outline:
The course will aim to give an overview of molecular techniques and theory on anylisis of molecular data used to address specific questions in evolutionary biology. Participants will conduct a series of experiments to develop skills in DNA extraction methods, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of specific DNA fragments, restriction enzyme analysis, gel separation techniques. Computer packages, e.g. clustal, PAUP, that are currently used to analyse molecular data in evolutionary biology will be demonstrated
Organisers: Dr J.A.J. Breeuwer & T. van Opijnen
Symbiose@bio.uva.nl