Fall 2017 - BISC 300 D100
Evolution (3)
Class Number: 2334
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 11, 2017
Mon, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Jayme Lewthwaite
jlewthwa@sfu.ca
778-782-4649
Office: B8220
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Instructor:
Mika Mokkonen
mika@sfu.ca
778-782-4106
Office: B9236
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Prerequisites:
BISC 202 with a grade of C- or better. Recommended: BISC 204.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
The phenomenon of organic evolution, and the major forces leading to changes in allele frequencies over time, i.e. natural selection and genetic drift. Topics include adaptation, speciation, the origin of life, and the major evolutionary trends over geological time. Students with credit for BISC 400 may not take this course for further credit.
COURSE DETAILS:
Everything in biology – every cell (and so every calcium channel and every helicase), every migration path of every bird, even much of our own behavior and many of our diseases – is the product of ongoing evolution, and within the constraints of the system, the product of processes such as mutation, selection, migration and drift. We will explore the fundamental properties of this ubiquitous phenomenon and the powerful mechanisms behind it using Freeman & Herron's "Evolutionary Analysis" as well as Zimmer & Emlen’s “Evolution” as our guides. This is a required course.
COURSE OUTLINE
Introduction to the phenomenon
Change through time and the Tree of Life
Mechanisms of change (Selection, mutation, migration and drift)
Mendelian genetics
Evolution of Sex
Quantitative genetics
The Genomics revolution
Adaptation (The fit between organism and environment)
Evolutionary analysis
Sexual Selection
Kin Selection
Evolution and human health
History of life (How we got here from there)
Speciation and Extinction
The Origin and early diversification of life
Development and Evolution
Origin and evolution of modern humans
Grading
- 5 weekly quizzes (6 given, one missed or tossed) 25%
- Three Midterms 50%
- Final Project 20%
- Participation 5%
NOTES:
This is a tentative outline and is subject to change. Please contact Ms. Lewthwaite or Dr. Mokkonen for details.
Materials
RECOMMENDED READING:
Freeman, S. and J. C. Herron. 2014. Evolutionary Analysis, Fifth edition.
Zimmer, C. and D. J. Emlen. 2016. Evolution, Second edition.
Both books are on reserve at the library
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS