Applied Phylogenetics in Bioinformatics using PHYLIP

30-Hour Online Certification Program

About the Course

Phylogenetics plays a critical role in understanding evolutionary relationships, genetic variation, and molecular diversity across species. This 30-hour online certification program on Applied Phylogenetics using PHYLIP is designed to provide hands-on training in phylogenetic analysis, tree construction, and evolutionary interpretation using real biological datasets.

The course combines theoretical foundations with practical implementation using PHYLIP (Phylogeny Inference Package) — one of the most widely used tools in evolutionary biology research.

Why Learn Applied Phylogenetics?

Phylogenetic analysis is essential in:

• Evolutionary Biology Research
• Molecular Biology & Genetics
• Microbial Diversity Studies
• Drug Discovery & Vaccine Research
• Epidemiology & Viral Mutation Tracking
• Biodiversity & Conservation Studies

With growing demand in genomics and bioinformatics, phylogenetic skills are highly valued in academia, biotech companies, research labs, and pharmaceutical industries.

Course Highlights

✔ 30 Hours Live Online Training
✔ Hands-on Practical Sessions using PHYLIP
✔ Real Biological Dataset Analysis
✔ Step-by-Step Tree Construction & Interpretation
✔ Evolutionary Distance Calculation Methods
✔ Certificate of Completion
✔ Recorded Sessions Access
✔ Project-Based Learning

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Phylogenetics (4 Hours)

• Basics of Evolutionary Biology
• Molecular Evolution Concepts
• Types of Phylogenetic Trees
• Tree Topology & Terminology

Module 2: Sequence Data Preparation (5 Hours)

• DNA & Protein Sequence Retrieval
• FASTA Format & File Handling
• Multiple Sequence Alignment (MSA)
• Data Cleaning & Pre-processing

Module 3: Introduction to PHYLIP Software (5 Hours)

• Installation & Setup
• Overview of PHYLIP Programs
• File Format Conversion
• Understanding Input & Output Files

Module 4: Phylogenetic Tree Construction Methods (8 Hours)

• Distance-Based Methods
• UPGMA
• Neighbor-Joining
• Character-Based Methods
• Maximum Parsimony
• Maximum Likelihood
• Bootstrapping & Statistical Confidence

Module 5: Tree Visualization & Interpretation (4 Hours)

• Reading & Interpreting Phylogenetic Trees
• Clade Identification
• Evolutionary Relationship Analysis
• Case Studies

Module 6: Mini Project & Case Study (4 Hours)

• Real Dataset Analysis
• Complete Phylogenetic Pipeline
• Result Interpretation & Reporting

Tools & Software Covered

• PHYLIP
• Sequence Alignment Tools
• Tree Visualization Tools

Who Can Enroll?

This course is ideal for:

• B.Sc / M.Sc (Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Genetics)
• B.Tech / M.Tech (Biotechnology, Bioinformatics)
• PhD Scholars
• Research Interns
• Faculty Members
• Bioinformatics Professionals

Basic knowledge of molecular biology is recommended.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand evolutionary models and phylogenetic principles
• Perform sequence alignment and prepare datasets
• Construct phylogenetic trees using PHYLIP
• Apply distance and character-based methods
• Interpret evolutionary relationships confidently
• Perform bootstrapping analysis
• Present phylogenetic results in research format

Mode of Training

• 100% Online (Live Interactive Sessions)
• Doubt Clearing Sessions
• Assignments & Practice Exercises
• Project Submission

Certification

Participants who complete the training and project will receive a Certificate in Applied Phylogenetics using PHYLIP.