Environmental Analysis Workshop June 2016 Heather Kelly, Camilla Määttä and Heather Knight

Aims of the workshop To develop skills and understanding of how molecular biology and a range of laboratory and environmental monitoring techniques can be employed to answer questions about evolutionary biology and the relationship between organisms and their environment. Themes: Measuring genetic diversity Analysing the environment and organisms’ response to it

Field sites Nenthead in Cumbria – the site of abandoned lead mines www.visitcumbria.com/evnp/nenthead/ Foreshield Burn – a nearby uncontaminated site

2014 cohort investigating the disused lead mine at Nenthead Collecting soil and plant samples for metal analysis back at the lab

Visit to Foreshield burn, an uncontaminated site Assessment of species diversity, water chemistry (pH, conductivity etc.)

Diatoms Used as indicators for biological monitoring

Lab techniques PCR based techniques e.g., ‘bar coding’ and microsatellites to assess genetic diversity. Semi-quantitative analysis of gene expression Analysis of heavy metal content (Pb, Zn) in plants/soil using AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy) and bioassays

Examples of organism level analytical techniques Plant studies Growth tests with plants cultured on heavy metal polluted/unpolluted medium Noccaea caerulescens Arabidopsis thaliana

Roe deer study Using species-specific microsatellite DNA markers to determine the relatedness of different deer populations: A tool for conservation and management.

Workshop plan - summary Field visit Lab work Guest speakers Assessed through written report/posters/formative talks No prerequisites other than Level 1 modules, as workshop is designed to cater for students with interests in both molecular and field studies – training will be provided

Any questions? Ask now or contact us h.a.kelly@durham.ac.uk p.h.knight@durham.ac.uk camilla.maatta@durham.ac.uk