For those who wish to go on to do a PhD in an evolutionary focused topic,
choose to complete a year-long Masters by Research (MRes) project in The
Centre of Life's Origins and Evolution at University College London, UK.

We are at the forefront of research focusing on understanding the
processes that govern organismal evolution across the tree of life,
from deep time, through to understanding how biodiversity evolves in the
Anthropocene. Research labs offer projects to students using an array
of approaches, from statistical and theoretical methods, through data
science, modelling and deep learning to high-throughput experimental
approaches, genomics tools, and palaeobiology.

Examples of research topics covered by this stream include (but are not
limited to) the following themes:

· Origin of life, bioenergetics and paleoenvironments (Pr. Nick Lane,
Pr. Bridget Wade, Dr. Florencia Camus)

· Origin of multicellularity and major evolutionary transitions in
plants, animals and protists (Pr. Chris Thompson, Pr. Max Telford)

· Role of hybridisation and whole genome duplication in evolution
(Pr. Duncan Greig, Dr. Ferdinand Marlétaz)

· Origin and evolution of sex, altruism and parental care (Pr. Max
Reuter, Dr. Florencia Camus, Dr. Rahia Mashoodh, Pr. Chris Thompson)

· Patterns of diversification across the tree of life using molecular
phylogeny and fossils (Pr. David Murrell, Pr. Julia Day, Pr. Hernan
Burnano, Dr. Stephen Pates)

· Dynamics of microbial populations (Pr. Wenying Shou)

· Emerging of biological complexity and novelty through evolution of
development (Pr. Paola Oliveri, Dr. Ferdinand Marlétaz).

You can choose an evolutionary topic in the most relevant
research group and spend the year developing advanced research
skills. The course structure closely matches that of a first year
PhD and helps you develop the generic and specialised skills
to launch your research career. More details can be found here
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/biosciences/mres-biosciences/evolution-and-origins-life-stream

With the evolutionary programme being part of the umbrella MRes
Biosciences the overview of the course structure can be found here
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/biosciences/mres-biosciences

Details of how to apply are found here
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught-degrees/biosciences-mres

And please make clear in your cover letter that you are interested in
the Evolution and Origins of Life stream

Questions on the programme can be directed to either Dr. Ferdinand
Marlétaz Email f.marletaz@ucl.ac.uk or Professor David Murrell
d.murrell@ucl.ac.uk

Professor David Murrell
Centre for Biodiversity and Environmental Research,
Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment,
University College London,
Medawar Building
Gower Street
London WC1E 6BT
United Kingdom

Programme Lead for MRes Biosciences
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/biosciences/study/masters/mres-biosciences

Personal research website
http://www.homepages.ucl.ac.uk/~ucbtdjm/Site/Murrell_Group.html

Telephone: 020 31087696

Email: d.murrell@ucl.ac.uk

"Murrell, David" <d.murrell@ucl.ac.uk>

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