The rapid advances in sequence analysis methods and computational power have significantly contributed to the explosive growth in phylogenetic studies worldwide. In the past three decades, there has been an astronomical increase in the availability of DNA sequence data in various public databases. Further, recent advances in sequencing techniques have led to the sequencing of complete genomes of numerous organisms. DNA sequence data are routinely generated in various genetic diversity and phylogenetic studies in labs across India. However, these data are often not analysed appropriately due to a lack of training in molecular phylogenetics.

This rigorous, individualised, hands-on training course will allow participants to learn the basic principles of molecular phylogenetics and its applications in biology. The course consists of theory and computer lab classes. Course topics include: Distance, Parsimony, Likelihood and Bayesian approaches to tree building, historical biogeography, phylogeography, species delimitation, character evolution, species tree estimation, molecular clock and divergence dating, molecular markers, hypothesis testing in a phylogenetic framework. Hands-on training will be conducted in MEGA, MrBayes, RaXml, BEAST, Mesquite, S-DIVA, mPTP, bPTP and LAGRANGE/BioGeoBEARS.

Participants are encouraged to bring their sequence alignments for analysis. The course is aimed at taxonomists, biogeographers, zoologists, botanists, evolutionary biologists and biologists in general who are interested in phylogenetics.