Course Overview

This course, "Evolutionary Analysis," is a college-level General Biology class focusing on the principles and applications of evolutionary biology. The syllabus outlines the course structure, learning objectives, grading policies, and a tentative lecture schedule.

Learning Objectives / Course Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain natural selection and its role in the diversification of viruses, microorganisms, and multicellular organisms.

• Analyze genetic and trait data to infer evolutionary (phylogenetic) relationships.

• Apply comparative methods to explore patterns of genetic, organismal, and cultural evolution.

• Analyze adaptive processes using molecular and genetic tools.

• Describe theoretical models, simulations, and experimental studies that contribute to our understanding of evolutionary change.

• Explain how kinship and reciprocity shape the evolution of cooperative behavior.

• Use basic game theory concepts to study evolutionary strategies.

• Discuss the evolutionary origin of diseases and their differences.

• Identify and describe different levels at which evolutionary change occurs in humans.

• Apply evolutionary principles to real-world issues in biomedicine and public policy.

Course Structure and Requirements

• Credits: 3

• Schedule: Tue/Thu 11:30-12:45

• Location: State Hall, room 1141

• Instructor: Dr. Sudeshna Biswas

• Format: In-person lectures and exams

• Textbook: Evolutionary Analysis, 5th edition, Herron & Freeman (2014)

• Prerequisite: At least a C- in BIO1500

Grading and Assessment

• Midterm Exams: Four midterms, each worth 220 points. The top three scores count toward the final grade.

• Final Exam: 300 points, cumulative and mandatory.

• Home work/engagement: 40 points.

• Total possible points: 1000

• Class participation and attendance: Required.

Grade Breakdown

Exam Policies

• Exams are closed book and held during the regular class period.

• Exam types include multiple choice, short answer, and problem-solving questions.

• Leaving the exam room during the test is not permitted.

• Make-up exams are only allowed with advance notice and documentation.

• Students have one week to challenge a grade in writing after an exam or assignment is returned.

Academic Integrity

• Zero-tolerance policy for cheating.

• Any exam showing signs of cheating will receive a zero.

• Second offense may result in a failing grade and disciplinary action.

Special Considerations

• Students with disabilities must register with Student Disability Services for accommodations.

• Religious observance conflicts must be reported by the third week of class.

• University closures on exam days will result in rescheduling to the next class meeting.

Tentative Lecture Schedule

The course follows the textbook Evolutionary Analysis (Herron & Freeman, 2015). Topics include:

• Introduction to Evolution

• The Pattern of Evolution

• Evolution by Natural Selection

• Estimating Evolutionary Trees

• Phylogenetic Inference

• Variation Among Individuals

• Selection and Mutation

• Migration, Drift, and Nonrandom Mating

• Linkage and Sex

• Calculation of allele frequencies, Chi-square

• Adaptation, Sexual Selection, Evolution of Social Behavior

• Aging and Life-History Characters

• Evolution and Human Health

• Genome Evolution and Molecular Basis

• Origins of Life, Speciation, Human Evolution

Midterm and final exam dates are specified in the schedule.

Key Terms and Concepts

• Natural Selection: The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

• Phylogenetics: The study of evolutionary relationships among biological entities, often using genetic data.

• Genetic Drift: Random changes in allele frequencies in a population, which can lead to evolutionary change.

• Mutation: A change in the DNA sequence, which can introduce new genetic variation.

• Game Theory: A mathematical approach to studying strategic interactions, used in evolutionary biology to model behaviors such as cooperation and competition.

• Allele Frequency: The proportion of a specific allele among all alleles for a gene in a population.

Example: Calculating Allele Frequencies

Allele frequencies can be calculated using the Hardy-Weinberg equation:

Where p and q are the frequencies of two alleles at a locus.

Additional Info

• Students are responsible for all announcements made on Canvas.

• Office hours are available for additional support and questions.