Biology 3440/7440: Fundamentals of Evolution

 

Class hours: Mon./Wed. 3:00-4:15 PM.; Classroom South 107

 

Instructors:

Dr. Matthew S. Grober

            Office: Kell 204G

            Office hours: Wed. 2:30 – 4:15 or by appt.

            Phone:  Office – 463-9581, FAX – 651-3929

            E-mail: mgrober@gsu.edu

 

Dr. Eric Gilbert

            Office: Kell 426

            Office hours: Mon Weds, 4:15 – 5:00pm

            Phone:  Office – 463-9917, FAX – 651-2509

            E-mail: esgilbert@gsu.edu

 

Prerequisites: Biol 3800 (Molecular Cell Biology) or Biol 3840 (Animal Biology)

Course Description:

This course is structured to accomplish two primary goals:  students will be introduced to evolution, both as a body of knowledge, and as a conceptual framework for understanding the natural world.  The course will begin with an overview of historical aspects of evolutionary theory.  Following this, we will examine processes resulting in the production and subsequent modification of variation (e.g., natural selection).  Last, we will survey evolutionary patterns (e.g., relationships among vertebrates).

 

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course the student shall demonstrate:

 

1.     An understanding of the major theoretical and empirical components of evolutionary theory.

 

2.     An understanding of the impact of evolution on the life sciences and society.

 

3.     The ability to synthesize information from diverse groups of organisms into a cohesive discussion regarding evolutionary mechanisms.

 

Textbook: Freeman, S and Herron, J.C., (2006) Evolutionary Analysis – 4th ed. Pearson / Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. The textbook is required.

 

Course policies:

Student Responsibilities: Students will need to make a serious and committed effort to learn the material covered in the course. Preparation in advance of lecture is essential. All of the reading assignments will be given in advance and we assume that you will have read them before attending the lecture. 

 

This course utilizes a lecture format with emphasis on student input and interaction. You are expected to play an active role in the learning process.  You will learn more and enjoy the process more if you participate. We encourage you to ask questions during lecture. The instructors also recommend that students participate in study groups. Please observe the following classroom etiquette: (1) if you arrive late, please find your seat with a minimum of disturbance to others; (2) if you have a cell phone, please turn it off before class.

 

Attendance: Students are expected to attend all lectures, and are responsible for all relevant announcements made during class. It is recommended that you introduce yourself to someone in class whom you can contact for notes and information in case you must be absent. Examinations will be based on material presented in class as well as readings from the textbook.

 

WebCT: Biology 3440/7440 has an associated web site on WebCT. It is essential that you learn how to use it, and check it regularly.

 

Exams and grading: Exams will be administered at the beginning of class. Please be punctual. The format will be essay and short answer questions. To ensure that students are properly educated and continue to develop communication skills, spelling and grammar will be considered for all graded materials. Accommodations for recognized disabilities may be made in advance through the Office of Disability Services. Exams and quizzes are kept by the instructors for one year following the completion of the course. The deadline for unrestricted withdrawal is 1 March, 2007.  After this date, the ÔWÕ grade is not automatic.  Please refer to the Schedule of Classes or General Catalog if you have any questions course withdrawals. 

Your final grade will be based on your scores on the following:

 

            1 hour lecture exams: 2 each worth 100 pts                                        200

            Final exam                                                                                           150

            Problem sets (exact number to be determined)                                      50

                                                                                    Total                            400

           

            Extra credit (max)                                                                                  25

 

Final grades will be assigned based on the following scale, and please note that the Biology Department does not assign Ô+Õ or Ô-Ô grades.:

 

100  -  90 %  =  A                   89  -  80 %  =  B                       79  -  70 %  =  C

 69  -  60 %  =  D                    <60 %  =  F                            

                       

Any information from the assigned readings, lectures, videos/movies, in-class assignments and problem sets is considered Òfair gameÓ for the exams.  An opportunity for extra credit will be discussed in class and can receive a maximum of 25 points.

 

Biology 7440 requirements: Students enrolled in Biology 7440 will have more extensive requirements per assignment, to be defined, than students enrolled in Biology 3340.

 

Make-up exam policy: Lecture exams may be taken late, but within one week following the scheduled date and only with prior approval of the instructor in cases of official University functions or serious emergencies.  You will be asked to submit proof of cause in either case.

 

Exam keys: Keys of the exams will be posted, and you are encouraged to compare your exam with them.  After the exams are returned, they may not be discussed with the instructors for 48 hrs -- under any circumstances.  If you think that your exam was misgraded, you may submit it for regrading by the instructor within three weeks after your exam is returned.  Please bring any errors in calculating scores to the attention of the instructors as soon as possible (after the 48 hr period). 

 

Problem sets: At least two problem sets will be required (total of 50 pts).  Problem sets will be distributed in class and will be due one week later.  Assignments are due at the beginning of class; five points will be deducted for each day that assignments are late (i.e., within a few days, they are not worth turning in!).  There will typically be one or two essay style questions, requiring 1-2 paragraphs to answer OR practice calculations for some of the basic equations you will have to use.  For the essays, answers must be typed or word processed.  Details regarding problem sets will be discussed in class.

 

Academic integrity:

The absolute highest standard of integrity and ethical conduct is a requirement of this course.  Deviations from this policy on any graded activity will not be tolerated and will result in a grade of ÒFÓ on that assignment. Please note the following, excerpted from the Georgia State University Student Handbook, and consult the handbook for complete details:

 

ÒThe universityÕs policy on academic honesty is published in the Faculty Affairs Handbook and the On Campus: The Student Handbook and is available to all members of the university community. The policy represents a core value of the university and all members of the university community are responsible for abiding by its tenets. Lack of knowledge of this policy is not an acceptable defense to any charge of academic dishonesty. All members of the academic community students, faculty, and staff are expected to report violations of these standards of academic conduct to the appropriate authorities. The procedures for such reporting are on file in the offices of the deans of each college, the office of the dean of students, and the office of the provost." [http://www2.gsu.edu/%7Ewwwdos/codeofconduct.html]

 

 

Tentative Course Calendar

 

Jan 8/10                      Introduction; Science & evolution                                                       CH 1, 2, 3

 

Jan 17                         History of evolutionary paradigm; Darwin and modern synthesis      CH 2, 3

NOTE: NO CLASSES ON 15 JAN.

 

Jan 22/24                    Reconstructing Evolutionary Trees                                                     CH 4

                                    In-class assignment on tree construction

 

Jan 29/31                    Mutation and genetic variation                                                            CH 5

 

Feb 5/7                        Mendelian Genetics I: Selection and Mutation                                    CH 6

 

Feb 12/14                    Mendelian Genetics II : Migration, Drift, Mating                               CH 7

                                    Review session / Evolution at multiple loci                                        CH 8

 

Feb 19/21                    TEST I (FEB 19) Material through CH. 7

                                    Evolution at multiple loci                                                                     CH  9

 

Feb26/28                     Evolution at multiple loci / Adaptation                                                CH 9, 10

                                    Thursday 1 March – Last day for a ÒWÓ

 

Mar 5-9                      SPRING BREAK!!

 

Mar 12/14                   Adaptation                                                                                           CH 10

                                    Adaptation  / Sexual Selection                                                 CH 10, 11

 

Mar 19/21                   Sexual Selection                                                                                  CH 11

Kin Selection and Social Behavior                                                      CH 12

           

Mar 26/28                   Evolution of Aging                                                                             CH 13

Review session / Phylogenomics                                                        CH 15

 

Apr 2/4                       TEST II (APR 2) Material through CH. 13

Phylogenomics                                                                                    CH 15

 

Apr 9/11                     Mechanisms of Speciation                                                                  CH 16

                                    The Origins of Life and Precambrian Evolution                                  CH 17

 

Apr 16/18                   The Origins of Life and Precambrian Evolution                                  CH 17

                                    The Cambrian Explosion                                                                     CH 18

 

Apr 23/25                   Development and Evolution                                                                CH 19

                                    Development and Evolution / Review Session                                    CH 19

 

May 2                         FINAL EXAM (2:45 PM) Material through CH. 19