Evolutionary Biology of Animals

Code

LIFE2046

School

Life Sciences

Level

2

Credits

10

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

Evolutionary thinking is overarching all disciplines in zoology and molecular genetics. The main objective of this module is to introduce the student to key evolutionary concepts. It aims to allow the student to place their scientific interests within the broader context of evolution and to provide valuable background information that will benefit future modules taken in subsequent academic years. We have chosen a few major areas in evolutionary biology to which each we are devoting one lecture each. The objective is to present key concepts for each of these rather than to be exhaustive. 1. History of evolutionary thinking 2. Genome evolution 3. Natural selection versus genetic drift 4. Adaptation, speciation and population structure 5. Population differentiation and phylogeography 6. Sexual selection 7. Domestication 8. Human evolution 9. Palaeontology, macroevolution and extinction 10. Guest speaker and revision session.

Target Students

Aimed at students in the biological sciences, especially those taking degrees in Biology, Zoology, and Genetics. Also available to Biotechnology students. Not available to year 1 students.

Classes

This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc

Assessment

• 100% Exam (2-hour): Open book

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding: A1. By the end of each of the module, the students should have gained knowledge of the theoretical concepts behind each evolutionary field presented. 

A2. The student will be aware of the foundations of each subject with an appreciation of the direction of the current research in the field. 

A3. Introduction to the appropriate conventions and terminology of each field.

 Intellectual skills – the ability to B1. Understand evolutionary scientific concepts and complex ideas and related them to practical/illustrative examples.

 B2. Acquire substantial quantity of information systematically, to process them effectively in order to integrate them effectively across the broad field of evolution.

 B3. Critical thinking will be developed through encouragement of thinking independently while giving weight to the arguments of the different theories– concepts presented and drawing appropriated conclusions.

 B4 Scientific curiosity. 

Practical skills – the ability to: C1. Articulation of knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts.

 C2. Awareness of the importance of sounds observations and scientific data for theoretical development of concepts.

 C3 Critical reading of the scientific literature. 

Transferable/key skills – the ability to: D1. Use and access information and communication technology.

 D2 Reflect and assess our own progress, strengths and weaknesses. 
 

Conveners

• Dr Ylenia Chiari
• Dr Chris Wade