Evolution

This course will focus on developing an understanding of modern evolutionary theory by focusing on major topics within evolutionary biology. These include natural selection, descent with modification, relationships between modern and extinct species, mechanisms of speciation, and molecular evolution. By examining the breadth of current evidence for modern evolutionary theory, an understanding of the mechanisms of evolutionary change will then be applied to address a variety of questions. For example,

• How can we explain the incredible variety of living organisms on Earth?
• Why do some insects look like sticks?
• Are we, as humans, more closely related to insects or sea urchins?
• What is responsible for the current rise in multi-drug resistant bacteria?
• How can DNA analysis provided insight into where humans originated and how they came to populate the Earth?

Students in this course will be engaged in a variety of laboratory and research projects. Therefore, adequate preparation for class is required and will involve regular homework.