Palaeogenetics
Learn how DNA analyses of ancient remains (palaeogenetics) can provide information about past processes in humans and other wild and domesticated organisms. You will also learn about other biomolecular analyses, past environmental changes, and will receive practical training in how to extract, sequence and analyze DNA from prehistoric remains.
This course will provide the latest knowledge on the different processes that have shaped the evolution and distribution of wild organisms and humans during the past 2.6 million years, and how one can use palaeogenetics of ancient remains and sediments to investigate them. These processes include environmental changes such as climatic and sea level fluctuations, as well as biological changes including speciation, hybridization, range dynamics, and extinctions. The course will go through recent case studies such as neanderthal hybdridization, human expansions, and extinction of the woolly mammoth. An overview of other biomolecular methods that currently are used on ancient materials will also be given. The course has a practical component where you will receive training in laboratory analysis of ancient DNA and how to use computational tools to analyze the resulting sequence data.
Information for admitted students spring 2025
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from the department - courses
Welcome to spring term 2025 at BIG! Open here, read and let us know if you have any questions.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are registered on the correct course. If you do not register then your place can go to a reserve. However, it is important that you only register on courses that you do intend to take, or you are taking a place from another student.
Registration period for spring 2025
Note! In order for us to efficiently be able to help all students, before registering make sure to carefully read our information to admitted students.
- Registration for all courses opens 7th January and closes Sunday just over a week before the course starts.
- Traineeships, research traineeships and degree projects are open for registration throughout the semester (see more information in the link above).
If you have trouble registering, please contact our student office latest on the last registration day. Otherwise you will loose your place on the course.
Reserve place
If you have been given a reserve place you may be admitted if someone declines their place. In which case you must confirm that you want the place by attending the reserve roll call for each course. The exception is traineeships, research traineeships and degre projects where an apporved work plan is required to be admitted, for more information see the link below.
More information about your studies with us
On our website you will find more information about your studies with us.
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
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For new international students
This course will provide the latest knowledge on the different processes that have shaped the evolution and distribution of wild organisms and humans during the past 2.6 million years, and how one can use palaeogenetics of ancient remains and sediments to investigate them. These processes include environmental changes such as climatic and sea level fluctuations, as well as biological changes including speciation, hybridization, range dynamics, and extinctions. The course will go through recent case studies such as neanderthal hybdridization, human expansions, and extinction of the woolly mammoth. An overview of other biomolecular methods that currently are used on ancient materials will also be given. The course has a practical component where you will receive training in laboratory analysis of ancient DNA and how to use computational tools to analyze the resulting sequence data.
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Course structure
The course is divided into two parts. The first part comprises the theory and practice of ancient DNA, and also includes practical lab work that is spread out across the course. The second part focuses on the prehistoric evolution of humans and wild and domesticated organisms, and how these have been affected by past environmental changes.
Teaching format
The format of the course will be a combination of practical laboratory work, computer labs, formal lectures, and independent literature projects.
Learning outcomes
A list of the learning outcomes can be found in the syllabus. Please find the link to the syllabus on the right side of this page.
Assessment
The assessment will be based on written reports, group discussions, and a final written exam.
Examiner
Love Dalén
Email: love.dalen@zoologi.su.se
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
Lindqvist, Charlotte, and Om P. Rajora, eds. Paleogenomics: Genome-Scale Analysis of Ancient DNA. Springer, 2019. ISBN 978-3-030-04753-5 (Available as E-book Stockholm University).
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Course reports
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More information
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Contact
Student office- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratory, room E315
Svante Arrhenius väg 20C
- Office hours
Mon-Thur: 13.00-15.00
- Irregular office hours
Closed Thursday November 21!
Study counsellor for advanced level
- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratoriet, room E315
Svante Arrhenius väg 20 C
- Office hours
By request
