Overview

This module aims to introduce students to key concepts in 21st century evolutionary biology.

The first part of the module is focussed on a problem-based series of practicals, where students will apply DNA barcoding techniques to species identification.

The second part and will focus on topics such as:

i) the development of evolutionary theory, the rise of evolutionary-developmental biology, and recent debate around the need for an "Extended Evolutionary Synthesis"

ii) paleogenomics - the study of ancient genomes.

iii) genetic markers, genetic mapping techniques, and their application to selective breeding of plants and animals.

iv) human evolution.

Lectures may cover topics such as:

‘Evolutionary Biology’; ‘The Tree of Life’; ‘Natural Selection and Adaptation’; ‘Mutation and Variation’; ‘The Genetical Theory of Natural Selection’;’ Phenotypic Evolution’; ‘Genetic Drift’; ‘Evolution in Space’; ‘Species and Speciation’; ‘Cooperation and Conflict’; ‘Evolution of Genes and Genomes’; ‘Evolution and Development’; ‘The Geography of Evolution’; ‘Evolution of Biological Diversity’; ‘Macroevolution’.

There will be practical sessions, which may cover topics such as:

1. Alu insertions, olfactory mutations, and genetic characterisation of class-level “population” data
2. Simulations of the impact of different selection pressures and population sizes on allele frequencies
3. Human evolution and the use of "model" species

Assessment Strategy

Assessment is based on the Bangor University categorical marking scheme.

-Threshold - (D- to D+) Basic knowledge derived from the lectures and practicals, but with no evidence of ability to critically synthesize this basic knowledge.

-Good- (C- to C+) Knowledge mostly based around lectures and practicals. Some evidence of reading at least some of the prescribed literature outside of the lectures. Limited evidence of understanding and ability to critically evaluate and synthesize the various strands of information.

-Very Good - (B- to B+) Knowledge based around lectures and practicals and, for marks at the higher end of the scale, with clear evidence of use of additional resources outside of the lectures. The student understands some of the fundamentals and demonstrates some ability to critically evaluate and synthesize the various strands of information.

-Excellent - (A- to A*) Knowledge greatly extends upon class material and demonstrates extensive evidence of extra reading. The student clearly understands the fundamentals and demonstrates an ability to critically evaluate and synthesize various strands of information.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply theoretical knowledge from across the module to interpret previously unseen data.

• Discuss the importance of population size and structure to evolution and extinction, especially with reference to conservation of threatened species.

• Discuss the sources of heritable variation; the forces that shape evolutionary processes within species; and the mechanisms of micro- and macro-evolution.

• Explain the methods by which we classify species, and the role of phylogenetic analysis in determining species relationships.