Learning outcomes

This course will cover the theories of evolutionary biology. We will learn how this can be used to infer both historical and ongoing processes. We will use both lectures and in-class exercises to better understand how to calculate and observe evolutionary processes from different types of data.

Content

This course will cover the major themes of evolutionary biology. This will include:

- The principles of natural selection

- Reconstructing phylogenies

- Mutation and genetic variation

- Population genetics

- Adaptation

- The evolution of sex

- Speciation and species concepts

- Evolution and human health

- Human evolution

Teaching methods

Lectures and in-class exercises, including discussions of the current literature. We will also use some introductory calculations to understand how mathmatical models can be used to estimate evolutionary processes.

Assessment method

Final grades will be determined by

- Paricipation in in-class exercises and discussions

- A written final exam in English

Sources, references and any support material

We will largely follow this text and it is suggested (but not required) students get a copy:

Evolutionary Analysis by Herron & Freeman

ISBN: 9781292061276

 

Language of instruction

English
Training Study programme Block Credits Mandatory
Bachelor in Biology Standard 0 2
Bachelor in Biology Standard 3 2