Course for international guest/part time students
- Faculty
- Faculty of Science
- Organization
- TTK Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology
- Code
- adevo1sb22em
- Title
- Adaptive evolution I. L
- Usual semester
- Autumn
- ECTS
- 3
- Language
- en
- Learning outcomes
- Competencies: Knowledge: Knows the various forces and types of natural selection, the concept and estimation methods of fitness. Knows the independent and linked effects of evolution and phenotypic plasticity. Knows the criteria for studying and proving adaptive evolution. Knows the basic quantitative genetic concepts. Knows the effects of trait correlations on the response to selection. Ability: Able to interpret the phenotypic variation observed in nature or in man-made environments in the light of evolution. Able to prepare and give 15 min long research-based presentations. Able to contribute to informal, but scientifically sound discussions. Able to understand and interpret the results of non-molecular evolutionary biology research. Attitude: Fully understands that biological evolution is a natural process that is happening undoubtedly, and thus it is not a matter of belief. Also understands that biological evolution and religion are not exclusive. Committed to critically evaluate information regarding evolution published in scientific or everyday media. Committed to represent the above points in his/her environment correctly. Autonomy and Responsibility: Feels responsible for acquiring scientifically proven knowledge. Able to transfer his/her knowledge in evolutionary biology within professional and non-professional circles with responsibility. Able to utilize specialized literature independently and to organise and present the gathered information.
- Course content
- The objective of the course is to give evolutionary explanation for phenotypic variation observed in the wild. Topics include the relationship between genetic and environmental effects, natural selection, and genetic inheritance. The semester is divided into two main blocks, teacher and student presentations (50-50 %), where the teacher’s lectures are followed by student presentations (based on recent research articles from the relevant topics) within each block. Main topics of the course: Discussion of biological evolution in general and adaptive evolution in particular. Overview of the theoretical background and estimation methods of fitness. Criteria and study approaches of adaptive evolution. Linked and independent effects of adaptive evolution and adaptive phenotypic plasticity, and methods to separate them. Introductory concepts (from a practical aspect) of quantitative genetics (heritability, genetic correlations). Evolution of correlated traits. The roles of natural selection, genetic drift and gene flow on the genetic and phenotypic variation seen within populations.
- Assessment method
- k5 = exam mark (5) (1 failed, 5 excellent) The evaluation is based on the students’ individual performance. This includes the quality of student presentations during the seminar part of the course, the activity of the student in the discussions following student presentations, and a written exam in the examination period. Presence in at least 80% of the lectures is mandatory.
- Bibliography
- Lecture handouts Articles chosen by the students for the student presentations