Course Description
Developmental biology studies the molecular mechanisms and cellular processes underlying the generation of an organism from a single-celled embryo. Evolutionary biology seeks to understand the origins of diversity among organisms. This course examines the intersection of these two fields to investigate how changes in developmental mechanisms underlie morphological evolution.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Students at the 6000 level will have additional presentations,
and be given a different midterm and final exam more focused on
integration of concepts, as appropriate for their more advanced
level.
Athena Title
Evolution and Development
Prerequisite
GENE 3000-3000D or GENE 3000H or GENE 3200-3200D or GENE 3200H or CBIO 3600
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course is designed to introduce upper-level undergraduate and graduate students to advanced concepts in developmental biology and evolutionary principles and their relationship to morphological evolution. Students will learn the major conceptual and experimental approaches in embryonic development of plants and animals and how these approaches are applied to questions of morphological evolution. Students will also learn the basic principles of molecular evolution and how they apply to understanding the mechanisms underlying the evolution of diversity. Students will demonstrate their understanding through class discussion and presentations, as well as through examinations and written assignments. Emphasis will be on critical thinking, synthesis of complex concepts, and discussion of current conflicts in the field.
Topical Outline
Introduction to evolutionary developmental biology Core concepts in developmental biology Morphological evolution Mutation Measuring molecular evolution Natural evolution versus domestication Protein function changes and the evolution of novelty Cis-regulatory changes and the developmental toolkit Hox genes and molecular drivers of evolution Paleodevelopmental biology Skeletal development and evolution Limb development and evolution Pharyngeal development and evolution Flower development and evolution Experimental evolutionary biology – evolution in the lab
Syllabus