Module BIOL2241: EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

BIOL2241: EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Prerequisites

• Introduction to Whole Organisms and the Environment (BIOL1082).

Corequisites

• Animal Biology (BIOL2231) OR Experimental Plant Sciences (BIOL2291).

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• An understanding of evolutionary theory, in an historical and in a contemporary context.
• An understanding of the concepts of a species, the processes of population genetics and the nature of speciation processes.
• An appreciation of the importance of the study of evolution in the classification and conservation of biodiversity.
• An appreciation of some current developments in molecular and developmental biology that are leading to major advances in the understanding of the nature of species, mechanisms of speciation and mechanisms of evolutionary change.
• An understanding of the pattern of evolution in major taxonomic groups.

Content

• Darwinian Evolution.
• Neo-Darwinism: Gradualism: Punctuated equilibrium.
• Evidence for evolution, fossils, biochemical and molecular evidence: What is a species?: Phyletic speciation: reproductive strategies.
• Modes of speciation.
• Polyploidy.
• Isolating mechanisms.
• Homeotic genes.
• Mass extinction.
• Evolution and Development.
• Neural Crest and the evolution of Chordates.
• Genome evolution.
• Population genetics.
• Phylogenetic analysis.
• Origins of land plants.
• Generation of multicellularity: Cell division.
• The significance of the cell wall.
• The body plan originates in the embryo: Indeterminate growth strategy allows plasticity: Evolution of leaf shape.
• Evolution of Primitive Chordates: Cartilagenous and Bony Jawed Fishes.
• Origin of the Amphibia.
• Phylogeny of Modern Reptiles: Features of the Reptilia.
• Archaeopteryx and Birds.
• The origin of feathers and flight.
• The Evolution of Mammals.
• Mammalian characteristics.
• Phylogeny of the mammals.
• Endothermy in mammals.
• The Biology of Carnivores.
• The Biology of Herbivores.
• Small herbivores.
• The Evolution of Primates: Taxonomy of primates.
• The Evolution of Marine Mammals: Radiation of the major groups of marine mammal species and their adaptations to the marine environment.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module each student should be able to: Understand the historical origins of evolutionary theory.
• Understand the controversial nature of species' definitions.
• Understand the various modes of speciation.
• Understand the science of population genetics, which underpins the understanding of evolutionary processes.
• Understand the ways in which the study of developmental processes may lead to an understanding of macroevolution and the origin of adaptions.
• Understand the importance of the study of evolution in the classification of biodiversity.

• Understand the pattern of evolution in major taxonomic groups.
• Understand the use of analytical methods, such as phylogenetics, in the study of evolutionary processes.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Teaching and learning in this component is primarily through the means of lectures and demonstration practicals.
• Skills will be acquired through the manipulation and presentation of data.
• Knowledge will be formatively assessed through the use of video interpretation exercises and MCQs, and summatively by practical essays, MCQ/short answer quizzes, and a written examination.
• Understanding will be assessed by means of a written examination and essays.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Knowledge assessed through the use of video interpretation exercises and MCQs.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University