Module BIOL2331: EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Department: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

BIOL2331: EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

Prerequisites

• Diversity of Life.

Corequisites

• At least one other Level 2 Biology module.

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.
• Fossils, biochemical and molecular evidence for evolution, & species definitions.
• Modes of speciation, polyploidy, isolating mechanisms, & mass extinctions.
• Evolution and Development, homeotic genes, neural crest and the evolution of Chordates
• Genome evolution, population genetics, molecular methods, & phylogenetic analysis.
• Origins and evolution of life on earth with a focus on plant, invertebrate and vertebrate radiations.

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.

• Data analysis and interpretation.
• Review and assessment of factual information.
• Understand process given information on pattern.

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

• Lectures deliver core and specialised knowledge.
• Field work, Practicals and Lab work allow students to utilise the knowledge gained from lectures, and support the development of key and subject-specific skills.
• MCQs sample core and specialised knowledge.
• Essays assess key communication skills but are also used to examine a students learning of subject specific knowledge.
• Unseen examinations measure knowledge and the application and interpretation of that knowledge. They also test key skills in ability to present arguments and communicate them effectively in a concise written form.
• Data Handling Exercises assess data handling, numeracy, critical thinking and presentation skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Fieldtrips.

■ 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