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.
Information for admitted students autumn 2024
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from the department - courses
Welcome to autumn term 2024 at BIG! Open here, read and let us know if you have any questions.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are registered on the correct course. If you do not register then your place can go to a reserve. However, it is important that you only register on courses that you do intend to take, or you are taking a place from another student.
Registration period for autumn 2024
Note! In order for us to efficiently be able to help all students, before registering make sure to carefully read our information to admitted students.
- Registration for all courses opens 5th August and closes Sunday just over a week before the course starts, apart from courses starting at beginning of term. Registration for these courses closes already August 21!
- Traineeships, research traineeships and degree projects are open for registration throughout the semester (see more information in the link above).
If you have trouble registering, please contact our student office latest on the last registration day. Otherwise you will loose your place on the course.
Reserve place
If you have been given a reserve place you may be admitted if someone declines their place. In which case you must confirm that you want the place by attending the reserve roll call for each course. The exception is traineeships, research traineeships and degre projects where an apporved work plan is required to be admitted, for more information see the link below.
More information about your studies with us
On our website you will find more information about your studies with us.
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
Read more
For new international students
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.
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Course structure
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 each chapter of the book. These essays will help you improve your writing skills and allow for frequent feedback about your understanding of core concepts.
All discussions and laboratory exercises are mandatory. 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. All other class meetings will be held over Zoom. In case of absence, ask the course leader what you can do to earn credit for the 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 lectures and activities is mandatory
b. There are 17 assigned chapter essays. Students must turn in at least 15. Essays must be submitted before the relevant class discussion.
c. Museum group project: groups will present the major findings of a publication that used the Naturhistoriska riksmuseet collections.
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).2. Theory (7.5 credits, A-F scale )
a. Written exam, take home
b. Final essay and oral presentationExaminer
Christopher Wheat
E-mail: chris.wheat@zoologi.su.se -
Schedule
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. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
Zimmer, C. & Emlen, D. J. Evolution: Making Sense of Life. 3rd edition. W. H. Freeman 2020. ISBN: 1319079865.
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Course reports
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Contact
Student office- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratory, room E315
Svante Arrhenius väg 20C
- Office hours
Mon-Thur: 13.00-15.00
- Irregular office hours
Note! Extended opening hours first week of term, 2-6 September:
Monday to Thursday 10.00-12.00 am and 1.00-3.00 pm
Friday 10.00-12.00 am
Study counsellor for basic level
- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratory, room E315d
Svante Arrhenius väg 20 C
- Office hours
By request
