Biology Course Syllabus: Genetics, Evolution, and Ecology

Course Overview

This syllabus outlines the topics covered in the first six weeks of a college-level biology course, focusing on genetics, evolution, and ecology. The course integrates foundational concepts from molecular biology, population genetics, evolutionary theory, and ecological principles.

Week 1: Introduction and Scientific Method

Scientific Method: Data, Correlations, and Hypothesis Testing (Ch. 1.6)

The scientific method is a systematic approach used in biology to investigate phenomena, acquire new knowledge, and test hypotheses.

• Data: Quantitative or qualitative information collected through observation or experimentation.

• Correlations: Statistical relationships between two or more variables; correlation does not imply causation.

• Hypothesis Testing: Formulating and testing predictions based on observations. A hypothesis is a testable statement that can be supported or refuted by experimental results.

• Steps of the Scientific Method: Observation, Question, Hypothesis, Experiment, Data Collection, Analysis, Conclusion.

Example: Testing whether sunlight affects plant growth by comparing growth rates under different light conditions.

Week 1: Genetics - Genes to Individuals (Review Ch. 16)

How Genes Work (Ch. 16)

Genes are segments of DNA that encode instructions for the synthesis of proteins, which determine the traits of individuals.

• Gene Expression: The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product (usually a protein).

• Central Dogma: DNA → RNA → Protein.

• Mutations: Changes in DNA sequence that can affect gene function and phenotype.

Example: A mutation in the gene encoding hemoglobin can lead to sickle cell anemia.

Week 2: Genetics - Mutations and Mendel (Ch. 16, 14)

Mutations

Mutations are alterations in the DNA sequence that can be inherited or acquired.

• Types: Point mutations, insertions, deletions, duplications.

• Effects: Can be neutral, beneficial, or harmful depending on their impact on protein function.

Mendelian Genetics (Ch. 14)

Gregor Mendel's experiments established the principles of inheritance.

• Law of Segregation: Each individual has two alleles for each gene, which segregate during gamete formation.

• Law of Independent Assortment: Genes for different traits are inherited independently of each other.

• Genotype vs. Phenotype: Genotype is the genetic makeup; phenotype is the observable trait.

Example: Mendel's pea plant experiments demonstrated dominant and recessive traits.

Week 2: Genetics - Populations to Species

Genetics in Populations

Population genetics studies the distribution and changes of allele frequencies in populations.

• Gene Pool: The total collection of genes in a population.

• Hardy-Weinberg Principle: Predicts allele and genotype frequencies in a non-evolving population. $p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1$

From Populations to Species

Speciation is the process by which new species arise from existing populations.

• Species: Groups of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

• Mechanisms: Geographic isolation, reproductive barriers, genetic divergence.

Week 3: Evolution - Phylogenetics (Ch. 25)

Phylogenetics

Phylogenetics is the study of evolutionary relationships among organisms.

• Phylogenetic Tree: Diagram showing evolutionary relationships based on genetic or morphological data.

• Cladistics: Classification based on common ancestry.

• Monophyletic Group: Includes an ancestor and all its descendants.

Example: Constructing a phylogenetic tree to show relationships among vertebrates.

Week 4: Evolution - Natural Selection, Speciation, and Reproductive Isolating Barriers (Ch. 22, 23, 24)

Natural Selection (Ch. 22)

Natural selection is the process by which organisms with advantageous traits survive and reproduce more successfully.

• Variation: Individuals in a population vary in traits.

• Inheritance: Traits are passed from parents to offspring.

• Differential Survival: Some traits confer higher fitness.

Evolutionary Processes (Ch. 23)

• Genetic Drift: Random changes in allele frequencies.

• Gene Flow: Movement of alleles between populations.

• Mutation: Source of genetic variation.

Speciation and Reproductive Isolating Barriers (Ch. 24)

• Prezygotic Barriers: Prevent mating or fertilization (e.g., temporal, behavioral, mechanical).

• Postzygotic Barriers: Prevent hybrid offspring from surviving or reproducing.

Week 4: Evolution - Biogeography

Biogeography

Biogeography is the study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time.

• Factors: Plate tectonics, climate, barriers to dispersal.

• Example: The unique fauna of Australia due to geographic isolation.

Week 5: Evolution to Ecology - Extinction and Diversification

Extinction and Diversification

Extinction is the loss of species, while diversification refers to the emergence of new species.

• Mass Extinctions: Periods when large numbers of species go extinct.

• Adaptive Radiation: Rapid evolution of new species from a common ancestor.

Week 6: Exam Preparation

Review and Exam 1

Students review key concepts from genetics, evolution, and ecology in preparation for the first exam.

• Topics: Scientific method, gene function, Mendelian genetics, population genetics, phylogenetics, natural selection, speciation, biogeography, extinction, and diversification.