Evolutionary Biology

About this programme

This course is designed to help you learn how to think, write, and talk about evolutionary biology. The primary focus of the course will be reading and discussions of the textbook, Evolution: Making Sense of Life. We will cover diverse topics ranging from the history of evolutionary thought to sexual conflict to animal behavior to human evolution. You will have the opportunity to learn from the scientific literature, museum collections, and expert guest lecturers. The primary focus of the course will be reading and discussions of the textbook. Morning lectures will center on a single book chapter, and you will have a short writing assignment associated with most chapters of the book. These essays will help you improve your writing skills and allow for frequent feedback about your understanding of core concepts. There will also be short quizzes throughout the course covering major concepts of relevant chapters. All group discussions, hands-on workshops and excursions are mandatory. Group discussions will be focused upon discussions of primary research articles, hands-on workshop will involve working with artifacts, and the excursion will be to the museum. All guest lectures are mandatory, especially as their content will be included in the exam. Lectures and exercises that will take place in person are indicated in the schedule. Class meetings may be held over Zoom in the case of a sick day or scheduling conflict. In case of student absence, ask the course leader what you can do to earn credit for the missed material.