Evolutionary Biology, 15 Credits

Contents

The course focuses on modern evolutionary theory in relation to the origins and dynamics of genetic diversity in time and space, reproductive isolation and evolutionary relationships among organismal groups. Students will investigate how interactions between the evolutionary forces mutation, recombination, selection, migration and genetic drift drive the patterns and processes of biodiversity at different levels of biological organisation. The course consists of lectures, literature seminars, computer exercises and independent projects in which students will use empirical and simulated data to develop their evolutionary thinking and to solve problems in evolution, ecology and conservation biology.
The course is divided into the following modules:
Module 1, Fundamental evolutionary concepts and theory; 10 credits. This module provides a thorough background about sources of variation/biodiversity, the mechanisms maintaining intra-specific variation, and macro-evolutionary patterns of variation.
This module is divided into the following sections:
Section 1, Variation within populations (2 credits). This section introduces mechanisms responsible for the maintenance and loss of genetic polymorphism within populations (Frequency dependent selection; neutral variation; finite populations; mutations).
Section 2, Causes of genetic differences among populations (2 credits). The emphasis in this section lies on mechanisms that drive genetic differentiation among populations in time and space (Drift; effects of migration/dispersal; population structure).
Section 3, Adaptive variation (2 credit). Natural selection is often regarded as the most important evolutionary force shaping genetic variation and biodiversity. This section focuses on the detection of natural selection and measurement of adaptive processes (Fitness landscapes; adaptive landscape) and how adaptation may be constrained (breeders equation; heritability; evolutionary constraints).
Section 4, Speciation and Reproductive isolation  (2 credits). This section deals with divergence mechanisms that influence evolution of new species (Mate choice; role of time and geography; speciation processes).
Section 5, The tree of life (2 credits). This section focuses on evolutionary processes on long time scales: genetic and developmental processes that, in an interplay with changing environments, led to the phenotypic diversity of life on earth today.
Module 2, Individual project; 5 credits. Students will carry out an individual in depth exploratory essay or data analysis project within one of the subject areas in the course. The project should have a research-like character, including formulation of research questions, literature search and review, formulation of models and analyses, critical argumentation, presentation of evidence and writing a formal essay. Students have access to a teacher-supervisor for guidance. This part of the course is examined through the formal essay or report, a seminar presentation and student opposition.
 

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, for the grade Pass, the student should be able to:
1. Explain important processes, principles and concepts and critically evaluate theories and empirical research within evolutionary biology
2. Apply evolutionary theory and concepts to address empirical and theoretical questions in evolutionary biology
3. Independently investigate evolutionary questions using literature and analyses of empirical data.
4. Lead and summarize discussions on evolution in seminars and practical exercises orally as well as in writing1.
5. Communicate the principles, theories, problems and research results associated with questions that lie within the evolutionary framework to specialists and laymen orally and in writing

After completing the course, for the grade Pass with Distinction, the student should be able to:
1. apply the course content to solve new problems within the course areas
2. demonstrate analytical skills in solving tasks within the course areas
3. independently formulate scientific questions within the course areas and critically examine, evaluate and compile scientific literature in question

Required Knowledge

Univ: 120 ECTS including 60 ECTS in Biology or Molecular biology, 30 ECTS of these 60 ECTS should be in Ecology and/or Genetics, or equivalent knowledge.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL PBT
(Paper-based Test) with a minimum total score of 530 and a minimum TWE score of 4. TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum total score of 72 and a minimum score of 17 on the Writing Section).
Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

Instruction is given in the form of lectures, practical exercises, computer labs and literature seminars. Students are required to read on their own in both modules of the course. Practical exercises, computer labs and literature seminars are obligatory. Problem oriented learning methods are also practiced in some sections.
 

Examination modes

The first module of the course ends with a formal written examination with the grades Not Passed, Passed or Passed with Distinction. Obligatory sessions are examined by active participation and submission of results and graded Not Passed or Passed. The second module is assessed via the formal essay or report, seminar presentation and opposition. The essay is graded Not Passed, Passed or Passed with Distinction. The presentation and opposition is graded Not Passsed or Passed.To pass the course, a pass grade must be obtained on all examinations and obligatory exercises. To get Pass With Distinction on the whole course, the student need to pass  both modules with Passed With Distinction. All examinations are taken individually.The final grade is a summary assessment of results from all examinations and obligatory exercises and is not determined before all obligatory elements have been passed. Students who fail have the right to retake the examination in order to obtain a passing grade. Students who have passed an exam may not retake the exam to obtain a higher grade. A student who has taken two examinations in the course or part of the course, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless there are specific reasons against this (Higher Education Ordinance 6 chap. 22 §). Requests for new examiners are made to the prefect of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science.
Academic credit transfer
Accreditation is always examined individually. Information about rules and regulations can be found at http://www.student.umu.se/english/getting-your-degree/transfer-of-credits