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ACADEMIC JOURNEY

UNIVERSITY and OTHERS

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GENETICS
AND EVOLUTION

MASTER'S DEGREE

2022-2023

Study of the genetic aspects of Evolution

University of Granada, Granada, Spain

 

The Master's in Genetics and Evolution is a multidisciplinary program that addresses the interconnected study of genetics and evolution, providing students with comprehensive training in these areas and evolutionary biology in general. This program is framed within the context of the 21st century, where scientific and technological advances have propelled the field of biological research and its impact on societal well-being.

It focuses on methods, concepts, and perspectives in genetics, evolution, and evolutionary genetics, which have been fundamental in understanding key topics in the biological sciences. This knowledge also forms the basis for advancements in applied sciences in fields such as medicine, agriculture, livestock, and environmental conservation.

In particular, advancements in human genetics research and the development of genomic analysis technologies, molecular cytogenetics, and bioinformatics have transformed our understanding of the human organism and genetic-origin diseases. These advancements have had significant medical applications, including diagnostics and therapies, and have driven new concepts in medicine. Additionally, this knowledge and methodologies have also contributed to the study of genetic improvement, pathology, physiology, and molecular genetics of plants and animals, as well as their application in agri-food and aquaculture sectors.

Furthermore, the master's program emphasizes the importance of genetics and evolution in understanding biodiversity and proper management of natural resources. These advancements have provided valuable tools for addressing the conservation of biological diversity and sustainable ecosystem management.

WHAT I LEARNED

A master's degree for research

Generic teaching module

Throughout this module, I have gained a systematic understanding of classical molecular and chromosomal genetic analysis, as well as proficiency in the research skills and methods specific to different disciplines of genetics, including sequence analysis, cytogenetics, quantitative genetics, and evolutionary genetics. This knowledge has allowed me to apply it in various domains such as evolution, genetic improvement, and biomedicine. Additionally, I have developed skills to solve practical cases related to genetic approaches, both at a basic and applied level, using reflective thinking to address complex problems. I have also acquired the ability to integrate different study approaches in genetics and possess proficiency in handling specific instruments and techniques used in this field, as well as skills to obtain experimental results. Furthermore, I have the capacity to design experiments involving genetic tools and their various branches. Lastly, I have experience in handling molecular databases, such as DNA and protein sequences, and in data analysis within the conceptual frameworks of different genetic approaches.

Evolutionary specialization module

In the evolutionary specialization, I have gained extensive knowledge and understanding of the concepts, principles, theories, and models related to evolution at various levels, from organisms to the molecular and genomic level. I have developed skills to apply this knowledge in analyzing genome composition and evolution, as well as in phylogenetic reconstruction using computer tools. Additionally, I have acquired a multidisciplinary perspective on the evolutionary process and understand the importance of genetic conflicts and evolutionary mechanisms across different spatial and temporal scales. I recognize the significance of genetic variation in the formation and persistence of species, as well as coevolutionary processes in nature. I have also developed critical analysis skills for evaluating different hypotheses related to the history of life and have gained a spatiotemporal understanding of key events in evolutionary history and their impact on the Earth system. Furthermore, I possess the ability to apply this knowledge in future professional activities in the field of evolutionary biology, including species conservation.

 

SKILLS AND SUBJETCS

Generic teaching module

CREATIVITY, RIGOR AND COMMUNICATION IN SCIENCES

9.4/10

EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS

9/10

QUANTITATIVE GENETICS

9.5/10

GENETICS ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES

9/10

CYTOGENETICS

AUDIT

SECUENCE ANALYSIS

AUDIT

Evolutionary specialization module

COEVOLUTION

9.5/10

EVOLUTIONARY GENOMICS

8.7/10

CONSERVATION

GENETICS

10/10

EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY

PHYLOGEOGRAPHY AND MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY

9.7/10

9.6/10

INTERNSHIP

9.6/10

Genética y Evolución

Z

During my university studies, I immersed myself in the fascinating world of biological research. My education began with a strong foundation in general biology, encompassing areas such as cellular and molecular biology, ecology, and genetics. As I progressed in my career, I specialized in the study of populations and their evolution, focusing on population genetics and the structure of organisms and ecosystems. This academic trajectory provided me with extensive knowledge of the fundamentals of genetics and phylogenetics. I developed skills and competencies in analyzing genetic variability within populations, as well as understanding the evolutionary processes that shape biological diversity. Additionally, I gained a deep understanding of the importance of species' genetic structure and its influence on the conservation and management of ecosystems.

In addition to the theoretical aspects, my studies also provided me with a solid foundation in tools and techniques used in biological research. I am familiar with the use of statistics for data analysis, the application of bioinformatics in genomic analysis, molecular biology techniques for studying genetic material, and the ability to effectively communicate scientific findings through science communication. My experience and knowledge in genetics and phylogenetics have prepared me to approach the challenges of biology research rigorously and analytically. I am excited to apply this knowledge in future projects and contribute to the advancement of our understanding of life in all its forms.

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BIOINFORMATICS
STRUCTURAL BIOCHEMISTRY 
AND 
 GENOMICS

MASTER'S DEGREE

2017-2018

Study of the structure of life and bioinformatics

Aix-Marseilla University, Luminy, Marseille, France

 

During my Master's degree in Structural Biochemistry, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the techniques for purifying biological macromolecules. I developed the ability to determine the three-dimensional structure of these macromolecules using biophysical approaches such as X-ray crystallography, NMR, and cryo-EM microscopy. Additionally, I learned to study and model molecular dynamics and identify interactions. This experience provided me with an integrated view of the importance of the three-dimensional structure in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in biological processes that led to the emergence of life from inanimate matter. Furthermore, I acquired knowledge about the physicochemical properties of proteins, the creation of 2D and 3D models of molecules, metabolic processes, and ecological interactions. However, the most significant lesson I learned in 2018 was what I wanted to be and do: to conserve ecosystems.

Although I did not complete the two-year Master's program, this experience taught me a valuable lesson. After applying to various programs, I was accepted into the BBSG Master's program. I had an interest in biochemistry, bioinformatics, and genomics. However, I realized that I did not feel comfortable immersing myself in studying without a clear goal or passion. After the first year, I made the decision to leave the program to reassess my true desires. It was then that I realized my true passion was to be in contact with nature and contribute to the preservation of our wonderful planet for the well-being of all living beings.

BBSG
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BIOLOGY OF ORGANISMS AND EVOLUTION

BACHELOR'S DEGREE - 3rd YEAR

2016-2017

Evolutionary Biology and Data Analysis

Aix-Marseille University, Saint-Charles, Marseille, France

 

I obtained a Bachelor's degree in Organismal Biology and Evolution (BOE) from Aix-Marseille University in the city of Marseille, France, in 2017 with honors. This degree equips students with skills in biology and organismal physiology and nurtures a multidisciplinary approach to biology encompassing physiology, biochemistry, genetics, population genetics, molecular biology, and evolution. This process allows for the understanding of the complexity of living organisms' functioning.

From a genetic standpoint, I studied life at the organism and population levels, delving into the molecular mechanisms at play, culminating in a comparison of the structures of living beings (genetic, physiological, anatomical, morphological) to study their evolution. Specialized knowledge in molecular phylogeny, bioinformatics, and statistics was also provided.

 

WHAT I LEARNED

Knowledge for research

Universidad Aix-Marseille, Saint Charles, Marsella, Francia

 

This year was pivotal in my career. In addition to maintaining my interests developed throughout the first two years of my degree, I realized the importance of continuous learning in order to apply them effectively in research. During my internship as a research assistant at the Mediterranean Institute of Biodiversity and Ecology (IMBE), I realized that many of the knowledge acquired solely for the purpose of passing exams actually served as a database that I could utilize to develop scientific thinking and solve problems, or to not be afraid of starting an experiment anew or reconsidering a hypothesis.

Finally, I grasped the significance of statistics in ensuring that we are as close as possible to the truth, confronting my biases, and understanding life as something highly diverse and multifaceted, which, despite appearances, can sometimes be completely different from what we observe.

The notions of anthropomorphism and biological determinism were also new to me in my third year of study. I became aware of the importance of ethics and that it is the responsibility of every biologist to avoid unethical practices, anthropomorphism, and biological determinism. We seek to answer "how" rather than "why."

SKILLS AND SUNJECTS

Course details

GENETICS INFORMATION

6 ECTS

EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS

 ECTS 3

INTEGRATIVE EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS

6 ECTS

EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

 ECTS 3

METAZOAN

EVOLUTION

6 ECTS

EVOLUTIONARY PROCESSES

 ECTS 3

MOLECUCAR PHYLOGENY AND BIOINFORMATICS

 ECTS 3

BIOSTATISTICS

6 ECTS

PROGRAMMING

 ECTS 3

IMMUNOLOGY

 ECTS 3

CELL BIOLOGY

 ECTS 3

FIELD BIOLOGY

 ECTS 3

BIOTECHNOLOGIES AND PLANT GENETICS

 ECTS 3

POPULATION GENETICS PRACTICE

6 ECTS

ENGLISH

 ECTS 3

BOE
La naturaleza verde

BIOLOGY OF ECOSYSTEMS, ORGANISMS AND POPULATIONS

BACHELOR'S DEGREE - 2nd YEAR

2015-2016

Biology and Environment

Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France

 

This degree provides the knowledge and concepts necessary for laboratory biology practice, as well as the study of life at various scales (biochemistry, molecular, cellular, anatomical), and the interactions that different organisms have with each other to form an ecosystem and ecology. Skills in geology, landscape morphology, and paleontology are also conveyed in the natural sciences. ​ However, this year provided me with deeper knowledge in the fields of Environmental Sciences, Ecology, and Biodiversity in general (phylogeny, developmental biology, anatomy, and physiology), all from the perspective of biological research.

WHAT I LEARNED

Knowledge for research

Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France

 

That year,  I acquired valuable insights into the methodologies employed in biological research. I learned to go beyond mere procedural adherence and developed a keen ability to critically analyze scientific articles. In particular, courses such as Chemical Ecology, which explored the intricate interplay between organisms and their environment through chemical signals, and Plant Ecophysiology, revealed the profound complexity of plant life and the vast array of communication methods employed by living organisms, hidden from our limited human perception.

Furthermore, my understanding of evolution deepened during this period. It was during this time that I became fascinated with unraveling the intricacies of present-day organisms and their unique characteristics. I realized the paramount importance of safeguarding biodiversity, ensuring its preservation to the greatest extent possible. Even in cases where biodiversity is compromised, I learned about innovative strategies aimed at maintaining the functionality of ecological systems, facilitating the survival and thriving of all life forms on our planet.

SKILLS AND SUBJECTS

Course details

PALEONTOLOGY

6 ECTS

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS

 ECTS 6

COMPARATIVE ANATOMY AND ANIMAL DEVELOPMENT

6 ECTS

ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY

3 ECTS

 PLANTS DIVERSITY AND  PHYSIOLOGY

6 ECTS

PLANT ECOLOGY AND ECOPHYSIOLOGY

6 ECTS

EXPERIMENTAL ECOLOGY AND CHEMICAL ECOLOGY

3 ECTS

MICROBIOLOGY AND MICROBIAL DIVERSITY

6 ECTS

DATA ANALYSIS

3 ECTS

ANTHROPOBIOLOGY

3 ECTS

PRE-PROFESSIONALIZATION

3 ECTS

ENGLISH

6 ECTS

BOPE
SN
Hojas de helecho

NATURAL SCIENCES

BACHELOR'S DEGREE - 1st YEAR

2014-2015

Life and Earth Sciences

Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France

 

The first year of Life Sciences provides a solid foundation in the Sciences for understanding. I learned about the fundamental structure of Life at different scales, allowing me to have a molecular perspective of the cell and understand the physicochemical processes inherent to it. I also gained knowledge about animal and plant biodiversity, including their evolution and unique characteristics within each group of living beings. This university education also covers other phenomena in the Universe such as Astronomy, Geology, and Paleontology, as well as mathematics, physics, and climatology.

All of these elements greatly contributed to my subsequent focus on Life Sciences, emphasizing the importance of Evolution and the Conservation of the environment and its diverse ecosystems.

WHAT I LEARNED

Knowledge for research

Universidad Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, Francia

 

Este año aprendí la complejidad y multidisciplinariedad de la biología. Esa nueva consciencia de la vida adquirida me apasionó y fue lo que me permitió desarrollar mi curiosidad y mis ganas de aprender cada vez más acerca del mundo vivo. 

Los rasgos evolutivos de los organismos, sus mecanismos celulares y las herramientas de biología de laboratorio y experimental me fascinaron por completo, lo que me hizo respetar la vida como es, y fortaleció esa personalidad que tengo hoy en día, esa humildad ante los seres vivos sean cuales sean, y ante los ecosistemas. 

SKILLS AND SUBJECTS

Course details

INTRODUCTION

1 ECTS

MOLECULAR VISION OF THE CELL

9 ECTS

BIODIVERSITY

7 ECTS

FROM THE CELL TO THE ORGANISM

7 ECTS

BIOCHEMISTRY

3 ECTS

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 

3 ECTS

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

6 ECTS

GEOLOGY AND INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

7 ECTS

ATMOSPHERE AND OCEANS

4 ECTS

MATHEMATICS, PHYSICS AND INFORMATICS

7 ECTS

ENGLISH

6 ECTS

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PADI

DIVING LICENCE

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DIVING INSTRUCTORS

2020-2021

Leisure related to my life project

Open Water La Herradura, Almuñécar, Spain

 

During the PADI Open Water Diver courses, I learned everything I needed to explore the underwater world using scuba equipment. It is a rewarding challenge that most people find exciting. As an Open Water Diver, I can dive to a depth of 30 meters, or 60 feet, and the specialty courses I chose allow me to dive in various conditions such as drift diving, cold water diving, and deep diving, where navigation and orientation skills are crucial.

Currently, I engage in recreational diving, but I have the aspiration to go further and become a diving instructor and guide. I also aim to obtain a certification in scientific diving specialized in the field of Marine Biology.

2020

Open Water Diver

SPECIALTY

Buoyancy

SPECIALTY

Navigation

SPECIALTY

Current

EARRING

Rescue

2021

Advanced

SPECIALTY

Search and recovery

SPECIALTY

Deep diving

SPECIALTY

Drysuit

PADI
MOOC
Image by Oleksandr Sushko

ALGAE

ONLINE COURSE

2022

Biology and biodiversity

Coursera, University of California San Diego, USA

 

Algae are an incredibly diverse group of organisms found in almost every ecosystem on the planet, playing a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth. They are miniature biomanufacturers that utilize the process of photosynthesis to create chemical compounds we can utilize for food, feed, medicine, and even energy. We have gathered leading algae experts from both industry and academia to teach you the fundamentals of algae.

This course covered what algae are, why they are important, and why we are so interested in them due to their environmental benefits and utility in various products. We also delved into the vast diversity of algae, including the characteristics and applications of commercially utilized algae types today.

Subsequently, I learned about the ecology of algae and how interactions with the environment, including pests and predators, impact algae productivity. Finally, I examined algae biofabrication processes, encompassing production methods, as well as some of the products, benefits, and challenges that affect our ability to create commercially viable algae-based products.

Image by NOAA

ALGAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

ONLINE COURSE

2022

Algae: our way to future

Coursera, University of California San Diego, USA

For decades, researchers have been studying microalgae to comprehend their biological functions and how we can harness algae's potential using technology to create a wide array of commercial products.

In this course, we cover the utilization of synthetic biology, genetic engineering, and metabolic engineering in algae biotechnology, while also examining the current state of research and tools in the field of algae biotechnology.

Furthermore, we explore some of the common biological products obtainable from algae and analyze real algae companies that employ algae biotechnology to create consumer-accessible products.

Image by Fernando Venzano

GENETICS AND EVOLUTION

ONLINE COURSE

2022

From Mendel to the evolution of populations

Coursera, Duke University, USA

 

The Genetics and Evolution course is a college-level offering simultaneously available to new students at Duke University. It offers individuals interested in these fundamental areas of biology an insight into some underlying principles. We often encounter discussions about novel "genome sequences," commercial kits capable of revealing our ancestral lineage (including pre-human) through DNA, as well as disease predispositions. Debates regarding the truth of evolution, animal behavior, and the discovery of "genetic evidence for natural selection" are also common. This course equips students with the foundational biology necessary to enhance understanding of these topics, dispel misconceptions, and prepare for more advanced coursework in Biology, especially evolutionary genetics.

Image by National Cancer Institute

GENOMIC TECHNOLOGY

ONLINE COURSE

2022

Genomic data analyses

Coursera, Johns Hopkins University, USA

This course provided me with an introduction to the fundamental biology of modern genomics and the experimental tools we utilize to measure it. I was introduced to the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology and learned how next-generation sequencing can be employed to measure patterns of DNA, RNA, and epigenetics. Additionally, I gained an understanding of key concepts in informatics and data science necessary to comprehend the generation and analysis of data from next-generation sequencing experiments.

Image by Ishan @seefromthesky

OCEANOGRAPHY

ONLINE COURSE

2021

A key to the better understanding of

our world

Coursera, University of Barcelona, Spain

 

In this course, I learned the fundamentals of ocean science, including the classification and formation of the seafloor, the functioning of current satellite-based marine analysis systems, ocean chemistry, and the processes that have shaped it from the perspectives of meteorology and oceanic climatology.

Image by Oscar Nord

STATISTICS

ONLINE COURSE

2021

Statistics and Probabilities

EdX, University of Adelaide, Australia

 

This online course provides a solid foundation in statistics and probability for data analysis, interpretation, and research. In addition to learning about various methods and tests, I also gained knowledge on how to design a statistical study, collect data, analyze it, interpret the results, and calculate the probability of obtaining accurate findings.

I decided to enroll in this course to enhance my understanding of the concepts I learned in university and to gain greater proficiency and confidence in handling data, as it is a crucial aspect of biological research.

Image by Dustin Humes

CORAL REEF

ONLINE COURSE

2021

Morphology, biology and biodiversity of Coral Reefs

ZOEA Campus, Madrid, Spain

 

The Coral Reef is the ecosystem with the highest biological diversity on the planet, hosting a remarkably high number of plant and animal species per unit area.

The overall objectives of the course are as follows:

  • Understand how a coral reef is formed and the different types of reefs that exist on the planet.

  • Describe the structure and functioning of a coral reef.

  • Explore the endosymbiotic relationship between corals and zooxanthellae.

  • Examine the ecological relationships of these formations with other marine ecosystems.

  • Identify the main groups of invertebrates and vertebrates that inhabit the reef.

  • Familiarize with the general characteristics of reef fish families.

  • Recognize the ecological importance of this ecosystem for marine balance.

  • Identify the main threats faced by the coral reef ecosystem.

CONTACT

If you are interested in my profile for any job opportunity related to biology, genetics, ecosystem conservation, or diving, please feel free to contact me.

mateo.zapatapereira@gmail.com

(+34) 640 853 293

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