Aims

This module introduces students to several major principles of modern evolutionary biology. We start with a theoretical basis and practical understanding of molecular evolution, enabling students to ‘speak the language’ of modern genomic biology and answer questions on rates and patterns of molecular evolution to understand population histories. The module then covers quantitative genetics, adaptation, different types and levels of selection, exploring in more depth the evolution of sex and sexual selection. Going beyond the “modern synthesis” of genetics and natural selection, we conclude the module by providing a fuller account of the ways that evolution works through developmental plasticity, niche construction and cultural transmission in animals, introducing students to the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis as we assess current developments in this dynamic field.

Outline Of Syllabus

LECTURES

Lectures will cover major themes in evolutionary biology that may include:
Molecular markers and their uses
Allele dynamics and populations
Rates and patterns of molecular evolution
Quantitative genetics
Adaptive dynamics
Levels of selection
Evolution of sex
Sexual selection
Developmental plasticity
Niche construction
Cultural evolution
Extended Evolutionary Synthesis

The lectures are supported by:
the book ‘Evolution’ by Douglas J. Futuyma & Mark Kirkpatrick. 4th edition. 2017.
the book ‘Life: the Science of Biology (International Edition)’. David M. Hillis, H. Craig Heller, Sally D. Hacker, David W. Hall, Marta J. Laskowski, and David E. Sadava. 2020.

COMPUTER PRACTICALS

Genetic data analyses
Introduction to evolutionary rescue computer assignment

ASSIGNMENT (summative)

The assignment on trait evolution and evolutionary rescue comprises a computer practical followed by self-study to investigate how, facing current global change, evolutionary mechanisms can help maintain biodiversity. In the assignment, students study evolutionary rescue in their chosen study organism to investigate how selection of new traits in populations collapsing with environmental changes allow for a demographic bounce and population persistence. The results are written up in a report (4000 words max).

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures provide fundamental knowledge and understanding of evolutionary biology and a broad awareness of the applications of evolution to society. Some of the fundamental concepts are reinforced by practical exercises. and formative canvas quizzes, including a mock exam on canvas. The skills to manipulate, analyse and present the population consequences of phenotypic trait evolution are developed via a computer-based practical and guided independent study where students test if adaptation can rescue species from extinction, providing a summative assessment for subject-specific and transferable skills development.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Lectures and practical materials together with the directed reading provide questions for formal assessment in the form of a digital examination that is based on the knowledge acquired during these activities. The digital examination assessment will focus on testing depth and breadth of factual knowledge and general understanding of the concepts and implications in each subject area. The exam comprises short-answer questions to test understanding across the subjects, as well as a multiple-choice questions. A mock exam and classroom/canvas quizzes will be provided as formative assessment for the students to test their knowledge.

The summative assessment 'trait evolution and evolutionary rescue', comprises a computer practical and written report on a short project that includes elements of data acquisition from online databases and computer simulations. This assessment is designed to assess the ability to understand and perform a computational test of phenotype evolution and interpret the results within the context of climate adaptation.