TKUC LogoTHE KING'S UNIVERSITY

TERM:2019-20 Winter
COURSE NUMBER: BIOL 486
COURSE TITLE: Evolutionary Biology
NAME OF INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Darcy Visscher
CREDIT WEIGHT AND WEEKLY TIME DISTRIBUTION: credits 3(hrs lect 3 - hrs sem 0 - hrs lab 0)
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Exploration of evolutionary processes, including the theoretical and experimental basis for the evolution of organisms. A survey of the fossil record, population genetics, variation, natural selection, adaptation and the mechanisms of species formation. Special attention will be given to the history of evolutionary theory and its place in biology.

This course does not meet the natural science (with lab) breadth requirement.

Prerequisites: BIOL 320, 330
REQUIRED TEXTS:
  • Zimmer and Emlen (2013) Evolution: Making Sense of Life. 1st Ed (or 2nd Ed).
  • Weekly discussion readings will be made available on the course website
MARK DISTRIBUTION IN PERCENT:
Assignments10%
Discussion10%
Midterm I20%
Midterm II20%
Final Examination40%
100%
COURSE OUTLINE:
  • Introduction
  • History
  • Paleontology
  • Phylogeny
  • Variation
  • Drift & Selection
  • Quantitative genetics
  • History of genes
  • Adaptation
  • Sex
  • Parental care and Life history
  • Species
  • Macroevolution
  • Co-evolution
  • Human evolution

Required texts, assignments, and grade distributions may vary from one offering of this course to the next. Please consult the course instructor for up to date details.

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