BI1EAD1-Introduction to Evolutionary Processes

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Louise Johnson
Email: l.j.johnson@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

• To provide an overview of evolution that is accessible to first year students from diverse backgrounds. • To describe evolutionary processes, emphasising the forces that cause and hinder change, and some of the major patterns that result. • To introduce diverse approaches for the study of genetic and phenotypic evolution. • To demonstrate how evolutionary perspective is fundamental and improves understanding of diverse areas of modern biology. • To introduce students to the process of developing, testing and refining.

Aims:
􀀕 To provide an overview of evolution that is accessible to first year students from diverse backgrounds.
􀀕 To describe evolutionary processes, emphasising the forces that cause and hinder change, and some of the major patterns that result.
􀀕 To introduce diverse approaches for the study of genetic and phenotypic evolution.
􀀕 To demonstrate how evolutionary perspective is fundamental and improves understanding of diverse areas of modern biology.
􀀕 To introduce students to the process of developing, testing and refining.

Assessable learning outcomes:
􀀕 Ability to interpret graphs and figures
􀀕 Simple calculations in population genetics
􀀕 Ability to interpret phylogenetic trees

Knowledge of the following topics:
􀀕 How natural selection drives biological evolution
􀀕 How adaptations arise and what limits their perfection
􀀕 Species concepts; how new species arise; patterns of extinction
􀀕 How to make and use phylogenies
􀀕 Selected aspects of the evolutionary history of life on earth
􀀕 Different methods used to study evolution.

Additional outcomes:
􀀕 Quantitative skills 􀀖 basic population genetics calculations
􀀕 Data analysis skills 􀀖 turning data into a phylogeny, basic interpretation of phylogenies

Outline content:
1 Explaining Biological Diversity; What Is Population Genetics (LJ)
2 Misconceptions about Evolution; Variation in Populations (LJ)
3 Adaptations; Natural Selection (LJ)
4 Maladaptations; Units of selection and conflicts between them (LJ)
5 Quantitative traits (LJ)
6 Phylogenies (LJ)
7 Symbiosis and coevolution (RW)
8 Sexual selection and sexual conflict (RW)
9 Species concepts and speciation (RW)
10 Case studies; Q&A session (RW, LJ)

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
There will be two 50 minute lectures each week, plus three workshop / practicals on problem-solving and data analysis. The Blackboard site will provide further reading and handouts for lectures and quizzes. There will also be optional drop-in tutorials.