Course Description
Explore evolutionary biology through an experiential field experience and cultural engagement abroad. The course emphasizes broad concepts, observational practice, and global perspectives to deepen understanding of evolutionary processes.
Athena Title
Field Studies in Evolution
Non-Traditional Format
This course is designed for use in study abroad programs. The course will include field experiences and lectures combined with seminars, presentations, and/or student projects. Two field hours (excluding travel time) is equivalent to one classroom lecture hour in which one semester credit requires 750 minutes of classroom equivalent lectures (for example, 3 credits require 3*750 (2250) minutes (37.5 hours) of classroom equivalent lectures).
Prerequisite
Permission of department
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to explain core concepts of evolutionary theory.
- Students will be able to analyze how ecological, historical and cultural contexts in the host region influence evolutionary processes.
- Students will be able to summarize how history, local environmental history and human activity shapes evolutionary outcomes in the region.
- Students will be able to interpret evolutionary patterns using real-world field observations and biodiversity data collected on site.
- Students will be able to compare evolutionary adaptations across local taxa and relate them to environmental pressures.
- Students will be able to apply phylogenetic and population-level reasoning to understand relationships among organisms encountered in the field.
- Students will be able to evaluate case studies of evolution in action within the host country’s ecosystems.
- Students will be able to communicate scientific observations clearly through written reflections, discussions, and field reports.
- Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how evolutionary biology informs conservation, sustainability, and global biodiversity issues in the cultural context of the local human population.
Topical Outline
- The topical outline will vary depending on the study abroad venue and the faculty member but will focus on developing an understanding of basic evolutionary theory through observation.
