Course ID: | GENE 3000H. 4 hours. |
Course Title: | Honors Evolutionary Biology |
Course Description: | An introduction to biological evolution from the level of genes
to populations to species. |
Oasis Title: | Honors Evolutionary Biology |
Duplicate Credit: | Not open to students with credit in GENE 3000, GENE 3000E |
Prerequisite: | (BIOL 1107 or BIOL 1107E or BIOL 2107H) and permission of Honors |
Semester Course Offered: | Offered fall semester every year. |
Grading System: | A-F (Traditional) |
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Course Objectives: | Evolution is the major organizing principle of all the life
sciences. The National Science Foundation identifies evolution
as one of only five “core concepts for biological literacy.”
Current research in evolutionary biology is very active, with
applications to agriculture, medicine, conservation, computer
science, and industry, among others. Darwin's description of
evolution by natural selection is one of the key intellectual
achievements of humanity, and all educated people should
understand the basic concepts of evolution.
The course objectives are for students to:
A. Be able to explain evolutionary concepts and apply them to
new situations, including:
• The origin and role of genetic variation in populations
• Adaptive genetic change in populations
• Non-adaptive genetic change in populations
• A basic mathematical description of the changes of gene
frequencies in a population
• How evolutionary relationships can be understood using
phylogenies
• Origin and extinction of species and biodiversity
• Human evolution
• Evidence for evolution and how evolution is studied
B. Demonstrate skills in scientific reasoning and
problem-solving, including:
• Reason about scientific principles, theories, and models
• Analyze and evaluate scientific explanations and predictions
• Design novel experimental approaches to research questions
C. Find and use reputable sources of information to help you
learn concepts and principles in evolutionary biology.
D. Read and critically evaluate primary literature.
E. Be able to explain evolution concepts to non-biologists.
F. Explain the benefits of research in evolutionary biology to
other fields of inquiry.
G. Explain the benefits of research in evolutionary biology to
society, and how it helps us solve problems in our lives.
H. Environmental Awareness:
Evolutionary biology is a key scientific discipline in understanding
the impact of humans on a key element of the environment: biodiversity.
The course explicitly details the processes that lead to the origin
and maintenance of biodiversity on the planet. Through a number
of case studies and examples embedded throughout the course, we
investigate the impact of human activity on biodiversity, including the
maintenance of genetic variation in populations, the concept of gene flow
(captive breeding programs in zoos) in maintaining genetic diversity, the
effects of inbreeding and genetic drift on genetic diversity, how humans
impact the genetic structure of natural populations and how human activity
impacts speciation and extinction. |
Topical Outline: | Variation
Genotype and Environment
Genetics of Complex Traits
Mutation
Adaptation
Population Genetics
Natural Selection
Sexual Selection
Mating System
Inbreeding
Genetic Drift
Molecular Evolution
Migration
History of Life
Biogeography
Macroevolution
Phylogeny and Classification
Speciation |
Honor Code Reference: | Unless explicitly stated in the syllabus or by the instructor, all work must be
completed by the individual student without assistance. It is each student's
responsibility to be familiar with University policy on academic honesty. Any
evidence of academic dishonesty will be turned over to the Office of the Vice
President for Instruction for consideration and possible action. |