300091 SE Palaeogenomics (2021W)

Objectives: This course provides students with an overview of the history, theoretical background, developments and application of ancient DNA genomics and other genetic methods to the study of human variability (past and present) and to the study of human evolution.

Course Content: The awareness of ancient DNA and its importance in the study of human evolution has grown considerably over the past decade following the development of paleogenomics. This course aims to provide a broad introduction to human evolution and highlight the contribution of genetic research to the present understanding of hominin phylogeny, migrations and genetic diversity.
The course will involve lectures/seminars which will address the following topics: history of anthropological genetics, studies of genetic variation within and between past and present human populations from various world regions, introduction to human molecular biology and population genetics, , history of ancient DNA analysis and its application in quaternary science, physical anthropology and archaeology, phylogeography and the study of spatio-temporal patterns, the paleogenetics of archaic human species, archaeogenetics and the origins of agriculture, the study of demographic history, sex-specific admixture and migrations, and natural selection.

The first half of each session will be a lecture, which will be followed by a presentation on 1-2 papers by a student, and a critical discussion of the presented paper/s.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understanding the evolution of human genetic variability
• Knowledge regarding anthropological genetics
• Understanding the use, scope and limitations of aDNA genomics
• Knowledge about the application of aDNA methods in the context of the origins of anatomically modern humans, the origins and spread of agriculture, and other prehistoric migrations/dispersals
• Knowledge of the most recent developments in this young discipline and some of the future directions