Evolutionary Biology

In this course you will learn about fundamental processes of evolution, the tools evolutionary biologists use to study these processes, and the biological systems – from viruses to blue whales – to which these tools can be applied.

This course is designed to help you learn how to think, write, and talk about evolutionary biology. The primary focus of the course will be reading and discussions of the textbook, Evolution: Making Sense of Life. We will cover diverse topics ranging from the history of evolutionary thought to sexual conflict to animal behavior to human evolution. You will have the opportunity to learn from the scientific literature, museum collections, and expert guest lecturers.



Teaching Format

The primary focus of the course will be reading and discussions of the textbook. Morning lectures will center on a single book chapter, and you will have a short writing assignment associated with most chapters of the book. These essays will help you improve your writing skills and allow for frequent feedback about your understanding of core concepts. There will also be short quizzes throughout the course covering major concepts of relevant chapters.

All group discussions, hands-on workshops and excursions are mandatory. Group discussions will be focused upon discussions of primary research articles, hands-on workshop will involve working with artifacts, and the excursion will be to the museum. All guest lectures are mandatory, especially as their content will be included in the exam. Lectures and exercises that will take place in person are indicated in the schedule. Class meetings may be held over Zoom in the case of a sick day or scheduling conflict. In case of student absence, ask the course leader what you can do to earn credit for the missed material.

Learning outcomes

A list of the learning outcomes can be found in the syllabus. Please find the link to the syllabus on the right side of this page.

Assessment

There are two sections for grading in this course. Please note that this is different from previous courses.

  1. Laboratory exercises and group discussions (7.5 credits, pass/fail)
    a. Attendance of scheduled group discussions, hands-on laboratory/workshops, and excursions are mandatory
    b. There are 10 assigned chapter essays. Students must turn in at least 6. Essays must be submitted before the relevant class discussion of that chapter.
    c. Museum project: Students will write a short (1 page) review of a publication that used the collections from the Naturhistoriska riksmuseet, or another natural history museum, for science that they find interesting.
    d. Given students complete the minimum requirements of the laboratory exercises and group discussions, grading will be based upon the clarity of understanding demonstrated in the written exam and final essay (see below).
  1. Theory (7.5 credits, A-F scale)
    a. Two in class written exams covering different course content, one before and one after the break.
    b. Quizzes during class, which will be announced at the start of the course.

Examiner

Christopher Wheat
E-mail: chris.wheat@zoologi.su.se

The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.


Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.

C. Zimmer and D. J. Emlen “Evolution: Making Sense of Life” 2020, 3rd Edition. W. H. Freeman. ISBN‏: ‎1319079865

Course reports are displayed for the three most recent course instances.








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