Text: Evolution by Douglas Futuyma,
Second Edition. In addition, research papers will be assigned for analysis and
comment.
OVERVIEW AND STUDENT
RESPONSIBILITIES
This course is an introduction to the study of evolutionary processes.
We will examine the basic mechanisms for evolution, including processes that
are adaptive and neutral with respect to adaptation. Evolution will be examined
at a variety of scales, from molecular to ecological, and from changes in
populations over a few generations to patterns over millennia. Along with these
topics we will explore the ways that questions about evolution are answered.
You will be asked to read and evaluate original literature so that you have
direct access to developments in the field of evolution. Your responsibilities
include attending class and participating in discussions, checking your e-mail
for communications about class, and completing assignments on time. If you do
not wish to regularly check your Kenyon e-mail account, it is your
responsibility to provide an e-mail address that you will monitor.
Grading in Biology 241 will be based on the
following:
|
Percent |
Component |
|
45 |
Three Hour Tests |
|
20 |
Weekly assignments. These
will be short summaries and critiques of supplemental readings, brief reports
on computer simulations, or written responses to discussion questions. The
readings or assignments will be provided in class or online. Written work is
to be submitted electronically (as an e-mail attachment) by midnight the
night before class. |
|
10 |
Presentation during the last two weeks of class,
on a topic of your choosing but which addresses the integration of
evolutionary principles into current issues about agriculture, conservation
or human health. |
|
10 |
Attendance and participation in class discussions.
More than three unexcused absences will result in point deductions. |
|
15 |
Final exam (optional). If you choose not to take
the final exam, hour tests and weekly assignments will comprise 80% of your
grade. |
|
|
|
Policy on Extensions: No extensions will be granted for the assignments
listed below on the basis of conflicts with assignments in other classes; look
at all your syllabi now and plan ahead for the semester. The only exception is
for medical problems serious enough that you are consulting with the College or
other professional health services. If an absence is excused, College rules
state that you are responsible for the work assigned for that day and class
work from that day. Special note about
H1N1 flu: If you are experiencing flu symptoms, please follow College
guidelines, especially the recommendation to isolate yourself from others until
symptoms disappear. You need not have certification from the College Health
Service, but please inform me by e-mail
of your situation. We will work out a schedule for making up work that is
appropriate for your individual situation.
Policy for Students with Disabilities: If you have a disability and feel
that you may have need for some type of academic accommodation in order to
participate fully in this class, please feel free to discuss your concerns with
me in private and also contact Erin Salva, Coordinator of Disability Services
at PBX 5453 or via e-mail at salvae@kenyon.edu."
|
Date |
Topic/Assignment |
Text |
|
9/1 |
What
is "evolution"? - Five Scientific Theories |
1 |
|
9/3 |
Phylogenetic
Analysis - Patterns of Descent with Modification |
2,
handout |
|
9/8 |
Maximum
likelihood methods and challenges in phylogenetics |
2 |
|
9/10 |
Patterns
of change, adaptive radiation |
3 |
|
9/15 |
The
fossil record; punctuated equilibrium? |
4 |
|
9/17 |
Evolution
through deep time |
5 |
|
9/22 |
The
evolution of biodiversity |
6,
7 |
|
9/24 |
Hour Test 1 |
|
|
9/29 |
The
origin of genetic variation |
8 |
|
10/1 |
The
nature of variation, single locus approach |
9 |
|
10/6 |
The
nature of variation; quantitative characters and subpopulations |
9 |
|
10/8 |
Evolution
through genetic drift |
10 |
|
10/13 |
October Break |
|
|
10/15 |
Natural
selection |
11 |
|
10/20 |
The
genetics of natural selection |
12 |
|
10/22 |
Hour Test 2 |
|
|
10/27 |
Selection
on quantitative characters |
13 |
|
10/29 |
The
evolution of phenotypic plasticity (Founders Day, note shorter class
period) |
13 |
|
11/3 |
The
nature of “species” |
17 |
|
11/5 |
Process
of speciation |
18 |
|
11/10 |
Speciation,
continued |
18 |
|
11/12 |
Life
History adaptations and sexual selection |
15 |
|
11/17 |
Evolution
of genomes |
20 |
|
11/19 |
Evolution
and development |
21 |
|
12/1 |
Macroevolution |
22 |
|
12/3 |
Students’
choice, Take-home Test 3 due |
|
|
12/8,
10,15 |
Evolution
and Society – student presentations |
|
|
12/21 |
FINAL EXAM 1:30-3:30 pm |
|