Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - BISC 300 D100

Evolution (3)

Class Number: 2610

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 16, 2024
    Tue, 12:00–2:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 202 with a minimum grade of C-. Recommended: BISC 204.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The phenomenon of organic evolution, and the major processes leading to changes in allele frequencies over time, namely mutation, migration, genetic drift and natural selection. Topics include evolutionary genetics, adaptation, sexual selection, the origin of life, speciation, and the major evolutionary trends over geological time.

COURSE DETAILS:

  1. Introduction to the mechanisms of evolutionary change

            Darwin's postulates

            Mutation & Migration

            Drift

            Selection 1: population genetics for few loci

            Neutral Theory

            Intermezzo: Inferring and interpreting evolutionary trees

 

(midterm 1)

           

  1. Selection & Adaptation

            Studying adaptations

            Recombination as an Adaptation

            Selection 2: population genetics with many loci

            Adaptations in the Reproductive arena: sexual selection

            Life Histories as Adaptations

            Kin Selection

 

(midterm 2)

 

  1. History

            The origin and early diversification of life

            Genome Evolution

            Speciation

            Evolution of Humans

            Review: mutation, migration, drift and selection: SARS-CoV-2

            Postscript: Why is evolution so controversial?

(midterm 3)

 

Grading

  • Weekly reflections 10%
  • 6 quizzes (with two missed or dropped without penalty) 20%
  • Podcast and textbook assignment 30%
  • Three in-class Midterms 40%

NOTES:

The weekly reflections and quizzes are meant for you to keep up with the course and to review your lecture notes. The midterms are designed to help you digest the textbook, while the podcast and textbook assignments are exercises in science translation of that primary literature. (You don't really understand something until you have to explain it!)

REQUIREMENTS:

MODE OF TEACHING

 

All synchronous (lectures, tutorials, midterms), no recording

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Evolutionary Analysis (Freeman and Herron), 2014, 5th Ed.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/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