The course begins by introducing the foundational concepts of evolutionary biology in Unit I: An Idea that Changed the World. Students will explore the historical development of evolutionary thought, beginning with pre-Darwinian ideas and moving through Darwin's contributions to the Modern Synthesis. This unit also introduces the construction and interpretation of phylogenetic trees as tools for understanding evolutionary relationships. In Unit II: How Evolution Works, the course examines the fundamental mechanisms of evolution. Topics include the origins of genetic variation through mutation and recombination, and the population-level processes of natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow. Students will learn how these forces interact to shape allele frequencies and phenotypic traits across generations, supported by population genetics models and equilibrium theory. Unit III: The Products of Evolution focuses on the processes that generate biological diversity. Students will study the definition and formation of species, mechanisms of reproductive isolation, and modes of speciation. Additionally, this unit introduces evolutionary developmental biology (Evo-Devo), exploring how genetic and regulatory changes lead to morphological innovation and complexity. In Unit IV: Interactions Between Individuals and Species, the course delves into the evolutionary consequences of social and ecological interactions. Topics include sexual selection and the evolution of mating strategies, kin selection, altruism, and the emergence of cooperation. Students will also examine how interspecies dynamics such as predation, mutualism, and coevolution drive evolutionary change. Unit V: The History of Life provides a macroevolutionary perspective, tracing the deep history of life on Earth. Students will learn about the Tree of Life, major evolutionary transitions (such as multicellularity and terrestrialization), and adaptive radiations. The unit also explores mass extinctions and how they have shaped the diversity of life through macroevolutionary processes. Finally, Unit VI: Evolution of Homo sapiens addresses human evolution from an evolutionary biology perspective. Students will study the fossil and genetic evidence for human origins, population divergence, and adaptation. This unit also introduces concepts in evolutionary medicine and discusses how evolutionary theory applies to health, disease, and ethics in modern society.

Futuyma, D.J., & Kirkpatrick, M. (2023). Evolution (5th edition). Oxford University Press

Computers (or tablets) should be brought to the class to answer TopHat questions.