Program Overview

Evolutionary Genomics

The course in Evolutionary Genomics is suitable for students who are fascinated by the explosion in genome data, want to learn how to analyze, interpret, and understand DNA sequences, and wonder why cells, individuals, and species differ, and what it means.

Course Description

Students will learn about:

• Population genetics to understand genetic differences within and between populations
• Molecular evolution to interpret small sequence differences in DNA, RNA, and proteins
• Phylogeny to investigate the relationship between species, populations, and genes
• Genome evolution to understand large changes in the genome

The course will also deal with subjects such as the genetic history of man, the Neanderthal inside you, speciation, cancer, antibiotics resistance, jumping genes, and the never-ending conflict between X- and Y-chromosomes.

Teaching

The course gives students theoretical and practical skills in DNA sequence analysis. It consists of:

• Lectures where students learn the most important things in population genetics, molecular evolution, phylogeny, and genome evolution
• Scientific articles on human evolution and adaptation which students will present
• Problem-solving exercises to teach students how to address common problems in evolutionary genomics

If students lack previous experience of computational sciences, they will first learn the basics of programming and then proceed with learning fundamental DNA sequence analysis. Students will also learn experimental evolution and study evolutionary changes in microbes in a course lab.

Prerequisites and Selection

Entry Requirements

• Passed basic courses in biology comprising 60 credits in the subject areas of cell biology, molecular genetics, evolution, botanical and zoological physiology, ecology, and biodiversity, and systematics, or equivalent courses
• English proficiency is required to the level of English 6/English Course B from Swedish Upper Secondary School, or be certified by an international recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS
• A passed advanced course in Biology is required, one of the courses Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics (e.g., 210), Advanced Functional Genomics (e.g., BIO406), Advanced Bioinformatics (e.g., BIO403), or Genetics (e.g., BIO555) is recommended

Selection

Selection is based upon the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 165 credits.

After Graduation

The course in Evolutionary Genomics is included in the Master's programme in Genomics and Systems Biology. It can also be applied for as a stand-alone course.

This course is for students who want to work in biological or medical fields where DNA change and variation is central. Evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, genomics, diagnostics, cancer genetics, and medical genetics are some examples. DNA data becomes also increasingly important in, for instance, crime scene investigations, conservation biology, and biotechnology.

The job market is large and expands rapidly. Alumni from the course work, among others, in the pharmaceutical, food, biotech, diagnostics, software development, and education sector. Many do research in biology, medicine, mathematics, or computer science.

Facilities

The course is given on Campus Medicinareberget.

Tuition

• Full education cost: 35,505 SEK
• First payment: 35,505 SEK
• No fees are charged for EU and EEA citizens, Swedish residence permit holders, and exchange students.

Course Details

• Course code: BIO442
• Master's level
• 15 credits (ECTS)
• Offered by the Department of Chemistry & Molecular Biology at the Faculty of Science and Technology
• Study pace: 100%
• Time: Day
• Location: Göteborg
• Study form: Campus
• Language: English
• Duration: 19 Jan 2026 - 25 Mar 2026
• Application period: 15 Sep 2025 - 15 Oct 2025
• Application code: GU-16009