Purpose: This class anchors the curriculum of the TSRI Predoctoral Training Program in Molecular Evolution. We focus on the molecular mechanisms of biological evolution and how these concepts are being implemented in the evolution of chemical and biological function in the laboratory. The study and creation of evolving systems has become a recognizable and distinct discipline straddling chemistry, molecular biology, immunology, and genetics. Speakers from TSRI and elsewhere will describe their work in this context.

Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30 – 1:00, Keck Amphitheatre. Note that occasional lectures will be held at other times and that attendance at one or more departmental seminars will be required.

Grading: There will be one midterm exam and one presentation project as the final exam (see below). Assigned Reading: There is no textbook for this class. In its place, the lecturers will assign reading from the review and primary literature to be completed before the relevant lecture is given. You may not understand it all, and that’s all right. Just try.

Presentation Project: Students will be required to make a presentation to the class at the end of the semester on any topic in the general area of evolution. You should attempt to distill the lessons from at least several papers into your 15-minute talk, allowing you to go into some depth. Please submit your choice of topic to M.G. Finn by Friday, May 8.

Questions: contact M.G. Finn, 4-8845; mgfinn@scripps.edu