Evolutionary steps, the genus Homo; the genome in the genus Homo; genetic analysis of ancient and degraded human samples in the evolutionary process ; principles of populations genetics human migrations; adaptation in the genus Homo.
Antropologia Molecolare, David Caramelli, 2009, Firenze University Press, Firenze
Ultime notizie sull'evoluzione umana, Giorgio Manzi, la feltrinelli 2017.
La scienza delle Nostre origini, Tuniz, Manzi, Caramelli, La terza, 2013
Scientific papers
Learning Objectives
Knowledge acquired:
Evolutionary steps, the genus Homo; the genome in the genus Homo; genetic analysis of ancient and degraded human samples in the evolutionary process ; principles of populations genetics human migrations; adaptation in the genus Homo.
Competence acquired
Understanding of the different methodological approaches for the study of human evolution
Skills acquired (at the end of the course):
Workflow: from the fossil to the molecule; the using of innovative bimolecular technologies to characterize ancient genomes in both evolutionary study than applicatory such as forensic; molecular evolution mechanisms. Bioinformatics skill to understanding the complexity of Human genome.
Prerequisites
None
Teaching Methods
Frontal lessons
Further information
Students will be provided with slides produced during the course and scientific articles to integrate the program
Type of Assessment
Oral examination; the student will also be provided with a scientific article that will be discussed during the exam
Course program
The course in Anthropology deals with the study of Man as a zoological species; in particular it develops the following topics: Anthropology as the Natural History of Man. Stages of human evolution. The genetic bases of evolution. Biomolecular aspects for the study of evolutionary processes. Genetic markers. Environmental action on the evolution of populations and species. The concept of species and evolution of the species. Paleogenetics. Features of ancient DNA. Main biomolecular techniques in the study of ancient human samples . Classical methodology and the Next generations Sequencing work flow. Molecular markers in ancient DNA studies. How to carry out a study on ancient DNA.