Bio 322: Evolution Syllabus
Instructor:
Dr. Frank T. Burbrink
6S-131
College of Staten Island/CUNY
718-982-3961
Course Description:
The course provides advanced knowledge of the fundamental unifying theory of biology, evolution. A class that examines a subject of this breadth requires the student to learn how to integrate the fields of genetics, bioinformatics, statistics, ecology, paleobiology, behavior, medicine and morphology. Understanding these fields and their interactions ultimately provides a clearer picture of modern evolution. We will examine the history of the study of evolution, microevolution, quantitative genetics, macroevolution, phylogenetics, and speciation. Moreover, understanding and summarizing all of these diverse concepts into a comprehensive working knowledge of evolution requires an understanding of the philosophy of data interpretation, experimental design, and logical thinking. Class participation and group discussions will depend on the student’s familiarity with each topic the day it is presented. Therefore, students are expected to read the textbook chapters and handouts prior to the day that a particular topic is presented. It is the hope of the instructor that each student will have a working knowledge of all major concepts in evolution and have a deep understanding of the philosophy of scientific thought as applied to this most important theory in biology.
Text:
Evolutionary Analysis (4th edition)(Published by Pearson/ Prentice Hall)
by Scott Freeman and Jon C. Herron
Grading:
Midterm 30%
Final 40%
Project 20%
Participation 10%
Tentative Class Schedule:
Session
Topic
1 Introduction to the course and evolution
2 What is Evolution, HIV Example? Chapter 1-2
3 Understanding the mechanics of Evolution Chapter 2
4 Evidence for Evolution Chapter 2
5 Natural Selection Chapter 3
6 Natural Selection II Chapter 3
7 Mutation and genetic variation Chapter 5
8 Mutation and genetic variation II Chapter 5
9 Population genetics I: Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium Chapter 6
10 Population genetics II: Selection Chapter 6
11 Population Genetics III: Mutation and Migration Chapter 6-7
12 Population Genetics IV: Genetic Drift Chapter 7
13 Population Genetics V: Neutral Theory and Nonrandom Mating Chapter 7
14 Introduction to Linkage and Quantitative Genetics Chapter 8-9
15 Midterm
16 Phylogenetics I: Terminology Chapter 4
17 Phylogenetics II: Parsimony and Likelihood Chapter 4
18 Phylogenetics III: Assessing Support for Inferences Handouts
19 Phylogenetics IV: Biogeography and Cospeciation Chapter 4
20 Species Concepts Chapter 16
21 Mechanisms of Speciation Chapter 16
22 My research
23 Adaptation Chapter 10
24 Sexual Selection Chapter 11
25 Kin Selection Chapter 12
26 History of the Study of Evolution Lecture Only
27 Evo-Devo Chapter 19
28 The Cambrian explosion Chapter 18
29 Human Evolution Chapter 20
Below you find the Powerpoint lecture corresponding to a session. It would be wise to print the text from these lectures and bring them to class so that you don't waste time trying to copy the material from the board. All lectures are subject to a certain amount of change prior to class