Population Genetics |
BIOL 1305
Evolutionary Biology
University of Vermont
Evolutionary Biology (Fall 2023);
Aiken 110; MWF 2:20 pm - 3:10 pm
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This course will introduce students to the foundations of evolutionary biology. We will cover the evidence behind the theory of evolution and the applications of evolutionary thinking to broad questions in biology and medicine. This introductory course is geared towards non-majors keen on understanding how evolution shapes biological variation. The course will be divided into four major sections. Section 1 will cover the basics of evolutionary thinking including the history and evidence for the field of modern evolutionary biology, including first principles and terminology. Section 2 will cover the basics of microevolution, looking at evolution through the lenses of genes and mutations. Part 3 will cover the basics of macroevolution including phylogenetics, speciation, and, yes, fossils! Finally, Part 4 will cover human evolution, including issues in medicine. Throughout the course, we will read a combination of modern primary literature as well as classics such as selected chapters from Darwin’s “The Origin of Species” book.
Topics:
The course is divided into 4 sections:
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Part 1: The History of Evolutionary Thought
In the first part of the course, we will cover the history of evolutionary thought. How did humans develop the philosophical underpinnings of "natural philosophy", the field that ultimately "evolved into" evolutionary biology? We will study the history of natural philosophy primarily in Europe (from Plato to Darwin) as an example of how evolutionary thought developed across history. Finally, we will close this section with an introduction to "modern evolution" as a scientific discipline. As part of this section, students will read selected chapters of Darwin's classic: "The origin of species."
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Part 2: Microevolutionary Principles
In the second part of the course, we will cover the fundamental dynamics that drive evolution in nature. We will answer questions ranging from: "what is the raw material of evolution?" to "how do multiple genes interact to produce complex traits?" Some of the main topics covered in this section include genetic drift, adaptation, and gene flow, among others. As part of this section students will read and discuss case studies including: "Trait evolution in Darwin's finches", "Gould and Lewontin's critique of adaptionism", "Multisensory displays in the mating rituals of frogs", "Phylogenetics of COVID-19", and, "Conservation genetics of the critically endangered vaquita."
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Part 3: Macroevolutionary Principles
In the third part of the course, we will cover the patterns of evolution across large temporal scales. We will learn about the "Tree of Life", the fossil record, as well as key events in the history of life on earth. We will also learn about "Co-evolution", a topic that will require students to integrate their knowledge of both micro- and macro-evolution. In this section, students will read papers tackling critical questions on the ideas of "complexity and simplicity" of species, as well as a case study of co-evolution driven by pollination shifts.
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Part 4: People and Medicine
In the fourth, and last part of the course, we will learn about human evolution. In addition to learning about this subject's history, theory, and evidence. This topic will serve as a bridge for our final issue of evolutionary medicine, where we will discuss how evolution can help us tackle one of the biggest problems in modern medicine: the fight against rapidly evolving viruses.
