BackBIOL 1001N – Evolution, Ecology, Biodiversity, and Conservation Biology: Syllabus and Introduction to Evolutionary Theory
Study Guide - Smart Notes
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Course Overview
This course, BIOL 1001N, covers foundational topics in General Biology with a focus on evolution, ecology, biodiversity, and conservation biology. The course structure includes lectures, labs, quizzes, and assignments designed to introduce students to key biological concepts and scientific thinking.
Course Structure and Materials
Lectures and Labs: Combination of in-person and online sessions. Lecture slides and recordings are provided on the course website.
Required Textbook: OpenStax Biology (free online or PDF download; print copies available for purchase).
Online Labs: SimBio SimUText activation key required for select labs.
Course Website: All materials, schedules, and announcements are posted on eClass.
Evaluation and Grading
Component | Weight |
|---|---|
Quizzes (lowest 2 dropped) | 10% |
Activities | 10% |
Scientist Spotlight Reflections | 5% |
Midterm 1 | 15% |
Midterm 2 | 15% |
Final Exam | 25% |
Lab Grade (see breakdown below) | 20% |
Breakdown of Lab Grade
Lab | Topic | Weight |
|---|---|---|
Lab 1 | Taxonomic Keys and Phylogenetic Trees | 3% |
Lab 2 | Darwinian Snails (SimUText) | 3% |
Lab 3 | Sickle-cell alleles (SimUText) | 3% |
Lab 4 | Environment in the Media | 6% |
Lab 5 | Beliz Biaysse (SimUText) | 3% |
Labs include pre-lab quizzes and/or assignments due before other components.
Course Policies
Missed Tests/Exams: If a midterm is missed, the weight is transferred to the final exam. No make-up tests are provided.
Clickers: iClicker app required for in-class participation.
Email: Use your university email and include the course code in the subject line. Allow two working days for a response.
Accommodations: Notify instructors of conflicts at least three weeks in advance.
Academic Integrity: Adherence to university policies is required. Use of generative AI for assignments is prohibited.
Recommendations for Success
Do not fall behind in coursework.
Study in groups and use course resources.
Take notes and make sketches during lectures.
Read test and exam questions carefully.
General Topics Covered
Weeks 1-3: Evidence for evolution and natural selection
Weeks 4-5: Population genetics
Weeks 5-6: Speciation and macroevolution
Weeks 6-8: Phylogeny and the history of life (including human evolution)
Weeks 9-10: Introduction to ecology; populations and communities
Weeks 11-12: Ecosystems, conservation, and climate change
Introduction to Evolutionary Theory
Development of Evolutionary Theory
The concept of evolution describes how species change over generations through cumulative changes, a process now called descent with modification. The mechanism of natural selection was first proposed by Charles Darwin in On the Origin of Species (1859).
Species change over generations: New species arise from cumulative changes in populations over time.
Natural selection: The process by which individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to the next generation.
Scientific theory: In science, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of evidence and repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation.
What is a Scientific Theory?
Definition: A scientific theory is not a guess or hypothesis, but a comprehensive explanation supported by a large body of evidence.
Examples:
Atomic theory of matter: All matter is composed of atoms.
Heliocentric theory: Earth and other planets revolve around the sun.
Historical Context
Ancient Greek Philosophers: Early ideas about evolution and the nature of life were discussed by philosophers such as Empedocles, Anaximander, and Aristotle.
Natural Theology: The belief that nature and its complexity are evidence of divine creation, influential before Darwin's theory.
Linnaeus: Developed the system of taxonomy still used today for classifying organisms.
Learning Objectives
Explain the meaning of "theory" in science, using examples.
Distinguish between evolution and natural selection.
Describe the views about evolution of key Greek philosophers.
Describe the link between science and religion in Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries, with reference to Natural Theology.
Describe the binomial naming system introduced by Linnaeus and its continued use.
Additional Info
Land Acknowledgement: The course recognizes the traditional territory of Indigenous Nations in the Toronto area.
Scientist Spotlight Reflections: Assignments designed to introduce students to the diversity of research in evolution and ecology.
