Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - BISC 300 D100

Evolution (3)

Class Number: 2292

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 17, 2021
    Sat, 8:30–11:30 a.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:

Professor’s Statement
My objectives are to give students an appreciation for, and understanding of broad 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 and following suggested readings in the textbook is your best guide to the emphasis given to various topics.

We will cover the textbook in the order of the chapters, after the introductory week 1, when I will cover some material not in the text, but relevant to the broad study of evolutionary biology (cosmology, some origin of life concepts).

Grading

  • Midterm 1 20%
  • Midterm 2 20%
  • Final Exam (3 hours) 35%
  • Literature Research Project 15%
  • Tutorial Participation 10%

REQUIREMENTS:

Mode of Teaching:
COURSE TIMES: lectures will be synchronous at scheduled times on MWF, but will be recorded for student access. Lectures will be available for viewing prior to the scheduled times, and lecture slides will also posted on canvas as pdf’s.
EXAM TIMES: DATES AND TIMES TO BE ANNOUNCED, but held during the synchronous lecture times for the two midterm exams.
TUTORIALS: TO BE HELD SYNCHRONOUSLY AT SCHEDULED TIMES. It will be important for students to have computer access with digital camera and microphone for tutorial sessions using Zoom. Participation is important, and graded for 10% of the final mark.

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). Evolution, Making Sense of Life. W.H. Freeman publishers.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site 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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).