Introduction to phylodynamics: A practical approach to molecular phylogenetics of pathogens

3 Credits

Principles of molecular evolution. Mathematical models of DNA/RNA sequence evolution and their application to phylogenetic inference. Mathematical and statistical tools implemented in phylogenetic-tree reconstruction methods and molecular clock calibration. Introduction to coalescent theory. Phylodynamic models and their application to the study of viral and bacterial pathogens. Practical computer sessions analyzing real data with the MEGA5 and BEAST software packages.