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Modern Theories of Evolution

Module description

“Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution” – T. Dobzansky. This module provides an introduction to the basic principles of Darwinian Evolution and explores molecular, genetic and ecological mechanisms underlying evolutionary change. You will learn about process of evolution at the scale of DNA and proteins, learn how to construct phylogenetic trees and discuss historical controversies regarding different theoretical approaches to studying evolution.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module develops core topics in evolutionary biology, associated molecular evolution and bioinformatics concepts, and quantitative theories. The module provides an introduction to: natural selection and adaptation, patterns of evolutionary change at the molecular level, different models of DNA evolution; phylogenetic analysis of molecular data; population genetics, and topics in evolution such as kin selection theory.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Discuss the basic mechanisms by which populations change over time
• 2. Explain basic concepts in molecular evolution, e.g. the neutral theory, molecular clocks, maximum-likelihood analysis, creating phylogenies based on protein sequences and subsequent analysis of resulting phylogenetic trees
• 3. Evaluate different theories surrounding the process of evolution.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Describe and evaluate approaches to our understanding of evolutionary biology with reference to primary literature, reviews and research articles
• 5. Describe in some detail essential facts and theory across a subdiscipline of the biosciences
• 6. Identify critical questions from the literature and synthesise research-informed examples from the literature into written work
• 7. With some guidance, deploy established techniques of analysis, practical investigation and enquiry within the biosciences

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 8. Communicate ideas, principles and theories fluently by written means in a manner appropriate to the intended audience
• 9. Develop, with some guidance, a logical and reasoned argument with valid conclusions
• 10. Collect and interpret appropriate data, drawing on a range of sources, with limited guidance

Syllabus plan

Lecture topics will include natural selection and adaptation, and modes of speciation; molecular evolution, the neutral theory, genome evolution, phylogenetic analysis  and origins of new genes; population genetics, and kin selection theory.

Four 1-3 hour practicals covering: Understanding molecular markers; phylogenetic analysis of morphological and molecular data; quantitative modelling of evolution.

Accessibility statement:

As part of this module you will undertake two ‘wet’ laboratory sessions in GP101 each of which is 3 hours in duration and two ‘dry’ laboratory sessions in Hatherly B12. These sessions will be undertaken in pairs, and can accommodate students who require more frequent breaks for health reasons. Please contact the module coordinator if you require any particular support.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons that are approved by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. If deferred, the format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). The mark given for a deferred assessment will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral - if you have failed the module (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) and the module cannot be condoned, you will be required to complete a re-assessment for each of the failed components on the module. The format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). If you pass the module following re-assessment, your module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Freeman and Herron. Evolutionary Analysis 5th Edn; Prentice Hall, ISBN-10: 1292061278

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE page: https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=10208

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

• Additional reference material will be provided.

Key words search

Darwinian evolution, molecular, genetic, ecological mechanisms, phylogenetics, evolutionary change, population genetics.