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Evolutionary Biology


Course Description

An introduction to biological evolution, from the level of genes to populations to species.


Athena Title

Evolutionary Biology


Equivalent Courses

Not open to students with credit in GENE 3000E, GENE 3000H


Prerequisite

BIOL 1107 or BIOL 1107E or BIOL 2107H


Semester Course Offered

Offered fall, spring and summer


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

Evolution is the major organizing principle of all the life sciences. The field of evolutionary biology is an active one, 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 be able to understand the concepts of evolutionary biology. The course objectives are: to introduce you to the basic principles of evolutionary biology, including population genetics and macroevolution; to demonstrate the application of evolution to other fields through the use of case studies; to help you understand the basic mathematical underpinnings of evolution through practice; to have you understand the 5 basic evolutionary forces; and, to appreciate the processes that led to the generation of earth's biodiversity, including our own species. 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


Syllabus