Evolutionary Biology (C1019)
Evolutionary Biology
Module C1019
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 5
Module Outline
The module will cover the full breadth of evolutionary biology, from considering what happens to individual mutations in populations to topics such as sexual selection, the evolution of behaviour, including altruism and the process of speciation. Throughout the course a conceptual understanding of the subject will be developed. Evolutionary biology lies at the centre of the zoology degree; it is also a fundamental process that both biologists and ecologists should understand.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate an understanding of the major themes and concepts of evolutionary biology including population genetic theory, quantitative genetics and speciation.
Understand how the principles of population genetics can be applied to problems such as the evolution of behaviour including altruism and sexual selection
Think critically about the process of scientific enquiry; how observations lead to hypotheses and how we can test those hypotheses.
Develop the ability to think laterally about problems; by taking an understanding of the basic principles of population genetics and evolutionary biology and applying them to new situations and data.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 100.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Problem Set | T2 Week 7 | 50.00% |
| Problem Set | T2 Week 11 | 50.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 33333333333 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Prof Adam Eyre-Walker
Assess convenor, Convenor
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