This course is given in two parts. The theory of evolution is central to the whole of biology and is fascinating in its own right. The course is intended to capture both these features. The first part (60% of the total) will cover the basic principles of population genetics and of quantitative genetics that govern how short term evolution works, especially within and among the populations of a species (PMB). This will be done by using examples both from evolutionary research and also conservation genetics and human populations. It is not intended to learn lots of facts and formulae but to really understand the principles and to be able to apply these. Issues such as how the different fundamental processes (e.g. natural selection and genetic drift) interact with one another to yield evolution over the shorter term, and how adaptive evolution by natural selection works and can be measured will be explored.
The second part of the course will focus on longer term evolution, on the processes of speciation and on phylogenetic relationships (EG). How are the bigger patterns of bio-diversity affected by the processes of evolution.
Coordinator
Prof.dr. P.Brakefield; p.m.brakefield@biology.leidenuniv.nl
Methods of instruction
Lectures but also working through questions and involving interactive discussions. We will also have a week of practical-based sessions (with Dr R. Kooi) when we will examine variation in the tropical Bicyclus butterflies in more detail. These sessions will be assessed with the help of short reports and will provide some input into the overall exam results.
Study material
The relevant chapters of Campbell especially those of Unit 4. Each course part has its own syllabus that includes reading material as well as selected images
Examination
Two exams with short answers to questions covering each course part and to be done within a period of 3 hours. The exams are set in dutch.
Course objective
To understand the basic processes and principles of the theory of evolution