Introduction to Evolutionary Processes

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2016/7

Summary module description:
Aims:
? To provide an overview of evolution that is accessible to first year students from diverse backgrounds.
? To describe evolutionary processes, emphasising the forces that cause and hinder change, and some of the major patterns that result.
? To introduce diverse approaches for the study of genetic and phenotypic evolution.
? To demonstrate how evolutionary perspective is fundamental and improves understanding of diverse areas of modern biology.
? To introduce students to the process of developing, testing and refining.
Assessable learning outcomes:
? Ability to interpret graphs and figures
? Simple calculations in population genetics
? Ability to interpret phylogenetic trees

Knowledge of the following topics:
? How natural selection drives biological evolution
? How adaptations arise and what limits their perfection
? Species concepts; how new species arise; patterns of extinction
? How to make and use phylogenies
? Selected aspects of the evolutionary history of life on earth
? Different methods used to study evolution.
Additional outcomes:
? Quantitative skills ? basic population genetics calculations
? Data analysis skills ? turning data into a phylogeny, basic interpretation of phylogenies
Outline content:
1 Explaining Biological Diversity; What Is Population Genetics (LJ)
2 Misconceptions about Evolution; Variation in Populations (LJ)
3 Adaptations; Natural Selection (LJ)
4 Maladaptations; Units of selection and conflicts between them (LJ)
5 Quantitative traits (LJ)
6 Phylogenies (LJ)
7 Symbiosis and coevolution (RW)
8 Sexual selection and sexual conflict (RW)
9 Species concepts and speciation (RW)
10 Case studies; Q&A session (RW, LJ)

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
There will be two 50 minute lectures each week, plus three workshop / practicals on problem-solving and data analysis. The Blackboard site will provide further reading and handouts for lectures and quizzes. There will also be optional drop-in tutorials.

Contact hours:
Lectures- 20
Tutorials- 4
Practicals classes and workshops- 6
Guided independent study- 170
Total hours by term- 200

Summative Assessment Methods:
Written exam- 50%
Written assignment including essay- 20%
Class test administered by School- 30%

Other information on summative assessment:
1) Online test based on content and skills learned in the population genetics practical and the phylogeny practical (30%)
2) Short written assignment involving some group work (20%)

Formative assessment methods:
Tutored evolutionary and phylogenetic problem-solving session in practical 2
Formative online test on interpretation of graphs and figures from evolutionary biology studies

Length of examination:
One and a half hours

Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination in August/September only