About the Practical Course
The use of phylogenetic methods to reconstruct the evolutionary history of molecular sequences is a vital part of biological research.
Such methods underpin studies on the evolution and epidemiology of plant and animal parasites and disease-causing organisms, they are needed to understand the contrasting roles of vertical and horizontal inheritance in genome evolution, and more generally they allow an objective analysis of the patterns and processes generating biological diversity. To carry out phylogenetic analysis properly, it is necessary to have a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses, principles and applications of the key methods and approaches. This course has been designed to provide the theoretical and practical skills needed to carryout state of the art phylogenetic analyses.
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The past few years have seen have an explosion in new methods of analysis including the application of Bayesian analysis methods in phylogeny reconstruction, the development of improved non-homogeneous models that much better represent the dynamics of sequence evolution, and the development of methods for high-throughput genome-wide analyses. This course has been designed to cater for these newest of methods and for understanding how they relate to the more traditional methods.
We also address the strengths and weaknesses of all kinds of approach. Our goal is to teach technical sophistication without losing sight of the need for a critical attitude to data and analyses.
The course is being organized by teachers from five different institutes in three different countries including three Brazilian members of the course faculty with complementary expertise and local knowledge.
We look forward to seeing you in Rio! The Organizing Committee |
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