GEN-51306 Seminal Papers in Evolutionary Biology
Course
Credits 6.00
| Teaching method | Contact hours |
| Lectures | 12 |
| Problem-based learning | 20 |
| Self-study |
| Course coordinator(s) | prof. dr. JAGM de Visser |
| Lecturer(s) | prof. dr. JAGM de Visser |
| dr. DK Aanen | |
| Examiner(s) | prof. dr. JAGM de Visser |
Language of instruction:
English.
Assumed knowledge on:
GEN-11306 Evolution and Systematics and GEN-20306 Molecular and Evolutionary Ecology.
Contents:
The aim of this course is to deepen the student's understanding of the fundamental concepts in evolutionary biology and some of its applications by discussing seminal papers and applying these to modern research. The course, therefore, wants to raise both historical awareness of these concepts and wants to emphasize the actual usefulness of evolutionary principles. On the basis of seminal papers, each week a general theme in evolutionary biology will be discussed. These include basic mechanisms such as natural selection and genetic drift, sexual selection and life history evolution, social evolution and the levels of selection and human evolution. Original papers will be used, but recent reviews and timely (public) discussions that summarize (the controversies involving) the ideas will also be used. The theme will be introduced by a teacher or guest lecturer, and students choose one or two seminal papers from a collection and identify related recent papers.
Learning outcomes:
At the end of the course the student is expected to:
- identify, read and understand original (classic and more recent) research papers;
- be able to write and present reports about the connection between seminal paper and recent literature;
- have thorough insight into the key concepts of evolutionary biology;
- be able to demonstrate and discuss the relevance of these concepts for life sciences;
- be able to apply and critically discuss these insights to societal problems.
Activities:
Students will:
- attend lectures;
- read the seminal papers;
- identify recent studies or discussion papers applying or refuting the ideas of each seminal paper;
- write a report on the connection between seminal paper and recent study.
- Weekly present and discuss these reports.
Examination:
- individual weekly presentations (80%);
- individual essay (20%).
Minimal mark for both is 5.5.
Literature:
Seminal papers will be provided.
More recent literature will be collected by the students.