Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - BISC 300 D100

Evolution (3)

Class Number: 1772

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 14, 2022
    Thu, 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:

  1. Introduction to the mechanisms of evolutionary change - midterm 1

            Selection 1: Darwin and one or few genes

            Mutation & Migration

            Drift

            Intermezzo: Inferring and interpreting evolutionary trees

            Mutation, migration, drift and selection: SARS-CoV-2

           

  1. Selection & Adaptation - midterm 2

            Adaptations in the Reproductive arena

            Recombination as an Adaptation

            Selection 2: Fisher and many genes

            Life Histories as Adaptations

            Kin Selection 

 

  1. History - midterm 3

            The origin and early diversification of life

            Genome Evolution

            Speciation

            Evolution of Humans

            Postscript: Why is evolution so controversial?

Grading

  • . 6 quizzes (with two missed or tossed without penalty: 20%
  • . Three in-class Midterms: 50%
  • . Podcast and textbook assignment: 30%

NOTES:

No Final Exam

NOTES

The 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 is an exercise in science translation of that primary literature. (You don't really understand something until you have to explain it!)



MODE OF TEACHING

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

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

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


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 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.