6.891 Computation Evolutionary Biology (H)

L MW2:30-4, Room 32-144
Professor Robert Berwick, Room 32-D728, berwick@csail.mit.edu
Prereq.: 6.046J or 6.807 or 6.581J, 7.36, 18.417, HST508 or equivalent or permission of instructor

This subject qualifies as an Artificial Intelligence and Applications Engineering Concentration subject.

Explores and illustrates computational approaches to solving problems in evolutionary biology. Focuses on the underlying theory of these approaches, beginning with the components of evolutionary theory and the inferential logic of evolution by natural selection. Emphasizes development of analytical skills needed to judge the computational and algorithmic implications and requirements of evolutionary models. Examples drawn from current research in evolutionary biology; whole-genome species comparison, phylogenetic tree construction,molecular evolution, homology and development, optimization and evolvability, heritability, disease evolution, detecting selection in human populations, and evolution of language. Extensive hands-on laboratory exercises in model-building and analyzing evolutionary data.