BIO 221 - Evolutionary Biology plus Lab

Evolution is the most important idea in biology, pervading all aspects of the field, from molecular biology to ecology. It is responsible for the generation and maintenance of biological variation and explains how that variation can change over time. This course will introduce students to a comprehensive overview of the theories and mechanisms of evolution, with an emphasis on genetics, molecular, developmental changes underlying phenotypic variation within and among species. Teaching and discussion topics will include, but not be limited to, (natural/ sexual/artificial) selection, adaptation, speciation, phylogenetics, the evolution of sex, behavioral evolution, and the evolutionary history of life on earth. The course will cover diverse taxonomic groups, from prokaryotes to plants to animals, to illustrate several processes and patterns of evolutionary change. Discussion of diverse applied biological fields, such as conservation and medicine, using evolutionary approaches will be included. Learned key concepts will be illustrated and implemented through observational and experimental practicums, including simulations of evolutionary processes, phenotypic assays, genetic techniques, in the laboratory section of the course.

Satisfies Biology major requirement