The Molecular Ecology & Evolution Certificate provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to apply molecular biology techniques to ecological and evolutionary research. This certificate is designed for students majoring in biology, freshwater science, and related natural science disciplines who are interested in careers or graduate studies in environmental science, ecology, systematics, and evolutionary biology. Through a combination of coursework in cell biology, ecology, molecular biology, and advanced laboratory techniques, students will gain hands-on experience in DNA analysis, molecular markers, and bioinformatics tools used to investigate ecological and evolutionary questions. Graduates with this certificate will be well-prepared for roles as environmental science technicians, molecular ecologists, or conservation biologists. The program also provides a strong foundation for those pursuing graduate studies in molecular ecology, evolutionary biology, or related fields.
Student Outcomes:
Students will:
1. Apply Molecular Techniques to Ecological and Evolutionary Research:
Demonstrate proficiency in laboratory techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and molecular marker analysis to investigate ecological and evolutionary questions.
2. Analyze and Interpret Molecular Data:
Utilize bioinformatics tools and statistical methods to interpret genetic and genomic data in the context of population genetics, species identification, and phylogenetic relationships.
3. Integrate Molecular and Ecological Concepts:
Synthesize molecular biology principles with ecological theories to assess biodiversity, track population dynamics, and study evolutionary processes in natural systems.
4. Evaluate Current Trends in Molecular Ecology:
Critically assess scientific literature on emerging technologies and trends in molecular ecology, including environmental DNA (eDNA) applications, metagenomics, and conservation genetics.