Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2017 - BISC 300 D100

Evolution (3)

Class Number: 1440

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2017: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 14, 2017
    Mon, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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:

Topics include history of the evolutionary concept, natural selection, adaptation, speciation, and the major evolutionary trends over geological time. Students with credit for BISC 400 may not take this course for further credit. Prerequisite: BISC 202 with a grade of C- or better. Recommended: BISC 204.

Professor’s Statement
My objectives are to give students an appreciation for, and understanding of evolutionary theory, its history, major controversies, and the power of scientific explanation.  Reading, thinking, and discussion are key elements to success and a good grade in this course. 

Tentative Topic Sequence
 The new textbook by Zimmer and Emlen has 18 chapters.  We will cover all chapter topics during this course, but not all in the same detail. Attendance at lectures is your guide to emphasis given to various topics!

Grading

  • Midterm I 25%
  • Midterm II 25%
  • Final Exam 40%
  • Tutorial: Participation in discussions, based on topics TBA 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Zimmer, C. and D.J. Emlen (2016, 2nd edition).  Evolution, Making Sense of Life. W.H. Freeman publishers.

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