ECOS1072 Evolution (5 cr)

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Study level:
Advanced studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English, Finnish
Responsible organisation:
Department of Biological and Environmental Science
Curriculum periods:
2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023

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The book exam is replaced by the seminar, which is offered every second year, autumn 2021 and 2023.

Description

Why evolutionary theory is important for everybody: Evolutionary biology is the study of the history of life and processes that lead to its unity and diversity hence an important theory for everybody. Its study has far reaching consequences, important for a variety of fields including molecular biology, conservation, developmental biology, paleontology, and applied in other societal fields such as linguistics, medicine (better understanding of various diseases and antibiotic resistance), agriculture, pest management, forestry, and fisheries. A basic understanding of evo-elutionary biology will thus be a vital knowledge regardless if you will study it specifically in the future or not.


Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student:
  • is able to understand and explain evolutionary mechanisms
  • is able to understand the significance of phenotypic and genetic variation in traits
  • is able to define and explain inheritance
  • is able to understand that natural selection operates in many forms and many levels
  • is able to understand that environment and genes interact
  • understands the basics of quantitative genetics, population genetics and genomics
  • is able to understand and explain adaptation at the mechanistic level
  • is able to explain that not all evolution is adaptive
  • understands the problems of species concept
  • is able to understand the general mechanisms of speciation and adaptive radiation
  • is able to explain the history of life

Description of prerequisites

BENA2004, BENA2005, BENA2024 or equivivalent

Literature

  • Douglas J. Futuyma and Mark Kirkpatrick 2017, Evolution, 4th Edition. 978-1-6053-5740-9

Completion methods

Method 1

Description:
The seminar is offered every second year, autumn 2021 and 2023.
Select all marked parts

Method 2

Select all marked parts
Parts of the completion methods
x

Teaching, Seminar offered autumn 2021 and 2023 (5 cr)

Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
Fail<50% points, 1 = 50%; 2=60%. 3=70%,4=80% and 5=90% of points
Language:
English, Finnish
Study methods:

Weekly meetings, weekly home essays and quizes.

Literature:
  • Futuyma & Kirkpatrick "Evolution", 4th edition
No published teaching
x

Exam (5 cr)

Type:
Exam
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
Three argumented essays are evaluated at the exam (one 3-4 pages). Each essay has maximum of 6 points. To pass the course 9 points are needed. 1=9 points, 2= 11 points , 3= 13 points 4= 15 points and 5 = 17 points.
Language:
English, Finnish
Study methods:

eExam

Teaching