Course Description
Fundamental principles of evolutionary biology, including processes and patterns of biological evolution and an overview of the historical and contemporary biodiversity resulting from evolution. Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in BIO 111, BIO 111L, BIO 112, and BIO 112L.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Explain and interpret evidence from various data types (fossil, molecular, comparative, developmental) supporting evolutionary explanations for life's diversity.
- Describe mechanisms of evolutionary change and speciation, predicting their effects on genetic and phenotypic variation, development, life history, and fitness.
- Identify tools for evolutionary analysis at molecular, genetic, phenotypic, and developmental levels.
- Use evolutionary analysis results to infer processes that have shaped speciation and evolution of phenotypes and life history strategies.
- Summarize current scientific understanding of the evolutionary origins of major lineages in the tree of life and their fundamental adaptations.
- Explain how past and ongoing evolutionary processes affect human health, society, and the environment.
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Attendance and Participation (via i-clicker; all students are encouraged to participate) | 10% |
| Adaptive Quizzes | 20% |
| Exams (3 regular exams and 1 final; accommodations available upon request or through OARs) | 42% |
| Classwork/Homework | 20% |
| Reflections/Surveys (introductory survey + post-exam surveys to gather feedback and improve statements) | 8% |
Grading Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| >92.00% | A |
| 90.00% | A- |
| 88.00% | B+ |
| 82.00% | B |
| 80.00% | B- |
| 78.00% | C+ |
| 72.00% | C |
| 70.00% | C- |
| 68.00% | D+ |
| 60.00% | D |
| <60 | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Attendance and Participation is 10% of the course grade and is conducted via i-clicker; all students are encouraged to participate.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
Achieve for Evolution: Making Sense of Life, 3rd Edition, ISBN 9781319374204. Access available via UNCG's First Day Complete program. Contact the instructor if you encounter any issues.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.