Molecular Evolution (Bioinformatics IV)

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/molecular-evolution

Introduction

# Course Review: Molecular Evolution (Bioinformatics IV) ## Overview The "Molecular Evolution (Bioinformatics IV)" course on Coursera is an essential part of the Bioinformatics Specialization that dives deep into the methodologies used to understand evolutionary relationships among various organisms. Following the foundational knowledge acquired in its predecessor course, participants embark on a journey to construct a "Tree of Life" using a range of bioinformatics techniques. The course is not only academically rigorous but also incredibly relevant, paving the way for understanding complex biological questions that have captivated researchers for decades. ## Course Structure and Syllabus The course unfolds over six weeks, each dedicated to specific topics central to evolutionary biology and bioinformatics. Here’s a brief overview: ### Week 1: Introduction to Evolutionary Tree Construction The course kicks off with two pivotal questions in biological research—what animal gave us SARS and whether T. rex was essentially a large chicken. These inquiries set the stage for applying computational approaches to real-world evolutionary puzzles. ### Week 2: More Algorithms for Constructing Trees from Distance Matrices Focusing on the neighbor-joining algorithm, one of the most cited papers in science, this week equips students with the tools to construct phylogenetic trees using distance matrices, giving insight into the evolutionary distance between species. ### Week 3: Constructing Evolutionary Trees from Characters Transitioning from distance matrices to characters, participants learn how to use organismal traits to elucidate evolutionary relationships. The inclusion of ancestral state inference broadens the scope of phylogenetic analysis. ### Week 4: Exploring Bird-Dinosaur Evolution This week addresses the question of avian evolution from dinosaurs. It emphasizes molecular evidence, enhancing understanding of ecological and evolutionary context and inviting students to consider how bioinformatics can lend support to long-standing biological theories. ### Week 5: The T. rex Peptides Mystery As students delve deeper, they grapple with the notion of fossilized dinosaur peptides, bolstered by analytical statistics and conceptual frameworks that bridge the gap between ancient organisms and modern molecular biology. ### Week 6: Bioinformatics Application Challenge The course culminates in an engaging application challenge, where participants utilize evolutionary tree reconstruction techniques to deduce the origin of the recent Ebola outbreak in Africa. This practical exercise reinforces learned concepts and showcases the relevance of bioinformatics in tackling pressing global health issues. ## Learning Experience Throughout the course, learners will find that the integration of humor via "Bioinformatics Cartoons" created by artist Randall Christopher enhances the learning experience. These illustrations not only serve as engaging chapter headers but also foster a memorable connection to the material being studied. The course utilizes a variety of multimedia resources, including lectures, readings, and practical challenges, ensuring that learning is both insightful and interactive. The approachable yet thorough teaching style is complemented by valuable assessments that reinforce understanding and provide constructive feedback. ## Recommendations **Who Should Take This Course?** - **Biology Enthusiasts & Researchers:** If you’re passionate about evolutionary biology and molecular evolution, this course will enrich your understanding and provide methodological skills. - **Bioinformatics Professionals:** Those in the field seeking to enhance their bioinformatics toolbox will find invaluable techniques and algorithms applicable to evolutionary analysis. - **Students in Life Sciences:** This course is an excellent supplement for undergraduate and graduate students focused on genetics, microbiology, or ecology. **Why We Recommend It:** 1. **Expert Instruction:** Taught by knowledgeable instructors, the course is grounded in contemporary research and highly regarded methodologies. 2. **Relevance to Current Issues:** The application of bioinformatics in real-world scenarios, such as tracking virus origins, emphasizes its importance in today's scientific landscape. 3. **Engaging Format:** The combination of theoretical concepts and hands-on challenges ensures that students remain engaged and motivated to learn. ## Conclusion Molecular Evolution (Bioinformatics IV) represents a timely and vital addition to the Coursera catalog for anyone interested in the intersection of biology, evolution, and technology. With its thoughtfully structured curriculum and practical applications, this course is not only a valuable academic asset but also a stepping stone toward understanding the complexities of life itself. I highly recommend enrolling in this course to deepen your knowledge and become proficient in the fascinating world of molecular evolution. Start your learning journey today!

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to Evolutionary Tree Construction

Welcome to our class!

In this class, we will consider the following two central biological questions (the computational approaches needed to solve them are shown in parentheses):

1. Weeks 1-3: Which Animal Gave Us SARS? (Evolutionary tree construction)
2. Weeks 4-5: Was T. rex Just a Big Chicken? (Combinatorial Algorithms)

In Week 6, you will complete a Bioinformatics Application Challenge to apply evolutionary tree construction algorithms in order to determine the origin of the recent ebola outbreak in Africa.

As in previous courses, each of these two chapters is accompanied by a Bioinformatics Cartoon created by talented artist Randall Christopher and serving as a chapter header in the Specialization's bestselling print companion. You can find the first chapter's cartoon at the bottom of this message. What do stick bugs and bats have to do with deadly viruses? And how can bioinformatics be used to stop these viruses in their tracks? Start learning today and find out!

Welcome to Week 2 of class!

Last week, we started to see how evolutionary trees can be constructed from distance matrices.  This week, we will encounter additional algorithms for this purpose, including the neighbor-joining algorithm, which has become one of the top-ten most cited papers in all of science since its introduction three decades ago.

Welcome to week 3 of class!

Over the last two weeks, we have seen several different algorithms for constructing evolutionary trees from distance matrices.

This week, we will conclude the current chapter by considering what happens if we use properties called "characters" instead of distances. We will also see how to infer the ancestral states of organisms in an evolutionary tree, and consider whether it is possible to define an efficient algorithm for this task.

Welcome to week 4 of the class!

Did birds evolve from dinosaurs? Over the next two weeks, we will see how we could analyze molecular evidence in support of this theory. You can find this week's Bioinformatics Cartoon from Randall Christopher at the bottom of this E-mail. Why does the T. rex look so much like a chicken? And why is the monkey typing frantically? Keep learning to find out!

Welcome to week 5 of class!

Last week, we asked whether it is possible for dinosaur peptides to survive locked inside of a fossil for 65 million years. This week, we will see what this question has to do with statistics; in the process, we will see how a monkey typing out symbols on a typewriter can be used to address it.

Welcome to the sixth and final week of the course!

In this week's Bioinformatics Application Challenge, we will use reconstruct an evolutionary tree of ebolaviruses and use it to determine the origin of the pathogen that caused the recent outbreak in Africa.