BB512: Population and Evolution
Study Board of Science
Teaching language: Danish or English depending on the teacher
EKA: N100007112, N100007102
Assessment: Second examiner: None, Second examiner: Internal
Grading: Pass/Fail, 7-point grading scale
Offered in: Odense
Offered in: Autumn
Level: Bachelor
STADS ID (UVA): N100007101
ECTS value: 5
Date of Approval: 28-03-2018
Duration: 1 semester
Version: Archive
Comment
Entry requirements
Academic preconditions
Course introduction
The aim of this course is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of population biology and evolution, which are the foundations for understanding biological phenomena including biological diversity, population fluctuations and extinctions, and interactions among species.
This course builds on knowledge of genetics, evolution and classification acquired in courses in the biology curriculum (BB525, BB531).
The course gives an academic basis for further studies in population biology and evolution, for example in the bachelor or masters project.
In relation to the competence profile of the degree it is the explicit focus of the course to:
- Provide knowledge and understanding of scientific theories, experimental methods and current research topics in biology, and how these are employed in biological discussions.
- Structure personal learning.
- Provide skills in critically evaluating biological theories, and express, evaluate and solve biological problems.
Expected learning outcome
The learning objectives of the course are that the student demonstrates the ability to:
- express the importance of key mechanisms and processes in population biology and micro- and macro-evolution
- identify and apply fundamental concepts in population biology and evolution
- critically interpret observations of the natural world in the light of population biology and evolutionary theory
Content
The following main topics are contained in the course:
Population biology:
- models of population growth/decline
- population extinction
- intraspecific competition
- age/stage-structured population models
- interspecific competition
- predation and parasitism
Evolution:
- adaptive and neutral evolution
- natural selection and genetic drift
- genetic impact of natural selection
- origin, and maintenance of genetic variation
- genotype-phenotype-fitness map
- phenotypic plasticity
- life-history evolution
- the evolution of sex and sexual selection
- speciation
- coevolution
Literature
Gotelli, N.J (2008): A Primer of Ecology, 4th Edition. Sinauer ISBN: 978-0878933181.
Stearns, S & Hoekstra R (2005): Evolution, 2nd edition. Oxford University Press ISBN: 978-0199255634.
Stearns, S & Hoekstra R (2005): Evolution, 2nd edition. Oxford University Press ISBN: 978-0199255634.
Other literature uploaded to blackboard.
See Blackboard for syllabus lists and additional literature references.
Examination regulations
Prerequisite test a)
Timing
Autumn
Tests
Multiple choice quizes
EKA
N100007112
Assessment
Second examiner: None
Grading
Pass/Fail
Identification
Full name and SDU username
Language
Normally, the same as teaching language
Examination aids
To be announced during the course
ECTS value
0
Additional information
The prerequisite examination is a prerequisite for participation in exam element a).
Exam element a)
Timing
Autumn
Prerequisites
| Type | Prerequisite name | Prerequisite course |
|---|---|---|
| Examination part | Prerequisite test a) | N100007101, BB512: Population and Evolution |
Tests
Written exam
EKA
N100007102
Assessment
Second examiner: Internal
Grading
7-point grading scale
Identification
Student Identification Card
Language
Normally, the same as teaching language
Examination aids
Allowed, a closer description of the exam rules will be posted under 'Course Information' on Blackboard.
ECTS value
5
Additional information
4 hr. written exam with multiple choice and short answers and questions.
The mode of exam at the re-examination may differ from the mode of exam at the ordinary exam.
Indicative number of lessons
Teaching Method
Activities during the study phase:
- writing reports from laboratory or class exercises
- reading assigned material
The course is divided into two roughly-equal parts: first population biology and then evolution. In both parts the classes are structured as a series of 1hr lectures on population biology or evolutionary concepts, usually followed by 1hr exercises, which are designed to reinforce the message of the lectures.