Dr Michael Gwilliam

Tutor in Molectular Ecology

Biosciences

+44 (0) 1792 987729

m.p.s.gwilliam@swansea.ac.uk

Staff Office - 025
Ground Floor
Margam Building
Singleton Campus

About

Dr Michael Gwilliam is a Research Assistant in the Department of Biosciences, Swansea University.

Taught Modules

BIO016 Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

This module introduces the identification and role of essential macromolecules within a cell and their basic biochemical processes. Lectures and laboratory-based practicals will explore the core concepts of molecular biology and the practical application of molecular techniques. Lectures will cover the fundamental cellular chemistry that is necessary to understand the molecular nature of cells and the processes involved in maintaining life. Practicals will develop this learning to investigate specific molecular applications utilised in real-life situations, and also provide context to how and why gene regulation occurs.
BIO235 Molecular Ecology

Molecular Ecology utilises molecular markers to investigate traditional questions in ecology. From understanding species distributions, species interactions, conservation and fishery management, Molecular Ecology has transformed our understanding of the natural world and continues to do so apace driven by advances in sequencing technology. During this module you will learn about the fundamental aspects of molecular ecology using a combination of theoretical lectures, workshops, laboratory practicals and undertaking analyses during PC practicals. Lectures include an introduction to Molecular Ecology, followed by lectures on molecular markers, DNA barcoding, microbiomes, genetic diversity, population genetics, population structuring, quantitative traits, phylogeography, conservation and wildlife forensics, sex and mating systems and epigenetics. Throughout the module we integrate the research undertaken by the staff at Swansea and incorporate the applications of molecular ecology to our understanding of evolution, conservation, health, forensics and fishery management. The module has two pieces of coursework, the first will cover the use of barcoding for species identification, including DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing (laboratory based) and the identification of their sequences using databases such as GenBank (computer based). The second piece of work will be using population genetic analyses to investigate the population structuring of herring (Clupea harengus) around the Welsh coast and how this can be applied to help inform fishery management
BIO340 Professional Laboratory Skills

Professional Laboratory Skills is a module that provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience of fundamental and advanced laboratory techniques in the broad area of biomolecular sciences. BIO340 consists of four intense laboratory sessions: two conducted in the wet-lab and two conducted in the computer lab. This blend of in vitro and in silico experimentation reflects the skills needed by modern biology graduates. Each session will have a theme: (1) protein biochemistry, (2) in silico structural manipulations, (3) PCR-techniques and gel electrophoresis, (4) Bioinformatics. Students will examine the structure-function relationship of a conserved, yet functionally diverse, family of proteins. Such proteins are found in plants, animals (including invertebrates) and microorganisms. [It should be noted that this module runs out of term time (usually early September), in a similar manner to residential field courses]

Dr Michael Gwilliam

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About

Taught Modules

BIO016 Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

BIO235 Molecular Ecology

BIO340 Professional Laboratory Skills