Methods in Molecular Anthropology

3 units

We will learn techniques used in molecular genetics and their application to studying the evolution and adaptation of human and non-human primates. This course will cover DNA extraction from biological materials (e.g. buccal cells from cheek swabs, potentially also fecal samples from the primates at the zoo), primer design and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify a region of interest (student lead, with guidance) from isolated DNA. Use of gel electrophoresis to visualize and purify PCR products and sequencing reactions to view nucleic acid structure will also be conducted. Finally, will also have a lecture on introductory bioinformatics. Throughout the course, we will discuss the mechanisms underlying these techniques, why they work and how to trouble-shoot problems. Students will be expected to submit lab reports and to engage in peer review of others' lab reports. Finally we will discuss how molecular methods inform anthropological research. Students will be also expected to take on-line safety training modules through EH&S.