Admission requirements
This course can be attended by first or second year MSc students
Contact information
Coordinator: Dr. M. v.d. Zee Email: m.van.der.zee@biology.leidenuniv.nl
Description
This course focuses on the field of evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo). The aim is to understand how genetic changes in development lead to novel morphologies in evolution. The unique contributions of three leading evo-devo researchers (Michael Richardson, expert on vertebrate evo-devo; Maurijn van der Zee, expert on invertebrate evo-devo; and Barbara Gravendeel, expert on plant evo-devo) make this an internationally attractive and high level course. The course starts with the current state of evolutionary theory. Potentially new additions to the Modern Synthesis and their implications for evolutionary theory will be discussed. We will treat subjects like epigenetic inheritance, group selection and the role of behavior. In the second week, we will focus on development and discuss phenomena like developmental constraints, developmental bias and regulatory evolution. We will read and discuss cutting-edge papers from the field of both vertebrate and invertebrate evolutionary developmental biology. The third week is entirely dedicated to the evolution and development of plants. This week will have contributions from the natural history museum Naturalis and from the developmental genetics department at the IBL.
This course provides an excellent basis for MSc-research projects on various topics in evo-devo, both at IBL and Naturalis Biodiversity Center.
Learning goals
Course objectives: The aim of the course is to provide an up-to-date overview of:
The field of vertebrate, invertebrate and plant evolutionary developmental biology
The current discussions on the state of evolutionary theory
The course will train students to accurately read and to understand in detail modern experimental scientific papers on evolutionary developmental biology.
Final qualifications: The student should be able to:
Adequately formulate how novel concepts and ideas affect evolutionary theory
Understand how genetic changes in development lead to novel morphologies
Write a coherent essay
Timetable
First of November until November 26 2021. The detailed time schedule is provided on Brightspace.
Mode of instruction
Lectures Every day, introductory lectures will be given to the subject. This will help you putting the papers into context.
Reading papers Every day, you will read recent papers on evolutionary developmental biology. These papers include primary research as well as reviews and essays. On some days, you will be asked to collect arguments to support or oppose certain views.
Perusall You will read some papers using the online platform Perusall. On this platform, you can help each other understanding the paper, comment, and discuss in small groups. Your contributions will be evaluated for your final mark.
Discussions We will discuss novel concepts and ideas and their influence on evolutionary theory. To encourage discussion, you will sometimes be divided into groups that should support or oppose a certain view. Your participation and contribution will be evaluated for your final mark.
Essay
At the end of the last week, you have to submit an essay through blackboardBrightspace. The essay should be chosen from a provided list of titles. Based on your top 3 preferences, titles will be allocated in such a way that not all students will write on an identical subject. The topics are covered in the lectures of the course. The essay should be submitted in electronic format. It should be no more than 1500 words excluding references. Your essay will be judged on the following points:
- Correct use of key terminology
- Structure (logical flow of the argument?)
- Language (correct? understandable? professional?)
- Overview (Did you cover a broad area?)
- Depth (did you understand the biological/molecular details?)
- Own input (did you simply reproduce the lectures, or did you find new content?)
Assessment method
Your final grade is composed of:
Your participation in and contribution to the (online) discussions (30%)
Your final essay (70%)
Minimum grades are 5.6 to pass
Inspection and feedback on the examination
Date: Weekly evaluations of your performance on Perusall and in live discussions will be given through Brightspace, and can be discussed with the course coordinator throughout the course. Individual feedback on your essay will be provided through Turnitin or email by December 4th. If desired, individual appointments with your mentor can be made to discuss the evaluation of your essay.
Brightspace
Papers and lectures will be posted on Brightspace. No text book will be used
Reading list
Reviews and research articles. Pdf’s will be posted on Brightspace.
Registration
Via USIS
Maximum 40 students
If you cannot register please email to bioonderwijscoordinator@biology.leidenuniv.nl so we can put you on the waiting list.
Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Prospective students website for more information on how to apply.