Summer 2024 - BISC 300 D100
Evolution (3)
Class Number: 1511
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
-
Course Times + Location:
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
-
Instructor:
Philippe Fernandez-Fournier
pfa15@sfu.ca
-
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:
- 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)
- 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)
- 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
- To be announced 100%
REQUIREMENTS:
Mode of Teaching:
All synchronous (lectures, tutorials, midterms), no recording
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Required textbook is available as paper copies or digitally. Readings are very important.
REQUIRED READING:
D.J. Emlen and C. Zimmer. (3rd edition, 2020). Evolution, Making Sense of Life. Macmillan Learning, publisher
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
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.