Department of Biology Topics for a Master thesis 2017-2018

[Pages:28]Department of Biology Topics for a Master thesis ? 2017-2018

@ the Laboratory of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Genomics

Prof. Filip Volckaert and colleagues



The Volckaert team

Ecology Evolution

Fundamental research at the interface of ecology & evolution

with applications in fisheries, aquaculture, human biology and nature conservation

Topics for a Master thesis

Human Parasites

Marine ecology

Adaptation in Fish

Ocean Connectivity

Connectivity in the ocean

Genetic structure of Antarctic fish: connectivity in a changing ecosystem

Franz M. Heindler & Henrik Christiansen

Connectivity of Antarctic fish: linking genomics with bio-physical modelling

Henrik Christiansen, dr. Val?rie Duli?re & dr. Genevi?ve Lacroix

rECTO-vERSO

Evolutionary Ecology ? Genetic structure of Antarctic fish: connectivity in a changing ecosystem

Promoter

Prof. Dr. Filip Volckaert (filip.volckaert@bio.kuleuven.be, 016 32 39 72)

Supervisor

Franz M. Heindler (franzmaximilian.heindler@kuleuven.be 016 37 66 92))

Henrik Christiansen(henrik.christiansen@kuleuven.be, 016 37 66 92)

Aim

Highly adapted icefish (Notothenioidei) inhabit the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica. Rapid environmental change and increasing human impact is challenging these peculiar fish and leaves them with three possibilities: adaptation, migration, or extinction. Intra-specific genetic differentiation, however, could mean that some populations are at greater risk than others. Therefore we want to investigate genetic population structuring of polar fish species in time and space.

Application

Next to global change, also global fisheries are expanding towards the poles, putting more pressure on these ecosystems. Solid understanding of local populations and their genetic make-up is needed, to advance conservation measures and/or sensible management.

Evolutionary Ecology ? Genetic structure of Antarctic fish: connectivity in a changing ecosystem

This project involves molecular laboratory techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis) and statistical examination of the genotypes.

Crocodile icefish

Striped rockcod

This is a great opportunity for students with interest in marine polar biology & genetics!

Dispersal Ecology ? Connectivity of Antarctic fish: linking genomics with bio-physical modelling

Promoter

Prof. Dr. Filip Volckaert (filip.volckaert@bio.kuleuven.be, 016 32 39 72)

Supervisor

Dr. Val?rie Duli?re (valerie.duliere@naturalsciences.be, 02 773 21 07)

Dr. Genevi?ve Lacroix (glacroix@naturalsciences.be, 02 773 21 00)

Henrik Christiansen(henrik.christiansen@kuleuven.be, 016 37 66 92)

Aim

Highly adapted icefish (Notothenioidei) inhabit the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica. Many of these fish have long pelagic larval phases, during which juvenile fish are dispersed via ocean currents. Connectivity can be understood using molecular data (already available) as well as predictive individual based models coupled with hydrodynamics. We here aim to provide the first steps needed to link genetics and modelling by collating biological information (spawning time, larval duration etc.) in appropriate model input files and developing realistic test scenarios.

Application

In 2016 the largest marine protected area (MPA) in the world was declared in Antarctica. More MPAs are planned, for which solid understanding of connectivity is needed.

Dispersal Ecology ? Connectivity of Antarctic fish: linking genomics with bio-physical modelling

juveniles

adult Marbled rockcod

Young et al 2015 Evol App

Post et al 2014 SCAR Atlas

This project involves literature and database research and computational work. Knowledge of numerical computing (Python, R, ...) is appreciated.

It is a great opportunity for students with analytical skills and interest in marine (polar) biology & oceanography! Working place will be Leuven and Brussels.

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