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BL 464. EVOLUTION
MEETING LOCATION:
MEETING TIME:
SPRING SEMESTER 2010
LOYOLA 31
10:30–11:20 MWF
INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Harry Taylor ([email protected])
OFFICE HOURS (S-203):
Monday; Wednesday; Friday: 11:30–12:30;
Tuesday: 9:30–10:30;
Thursday: 1:30–2:30.
Other times by appointment.
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Evolution is a dynamic area of study that is concerned fundamentally with the origins of species,
their postformational changes, and their genetic relationships to other species. As framed by the
pioneering population geneticist Theodosius Dobzhansky, Anothing in biology makes sense except in
the light of evolution.@ If this is true, then a working knowledge of evolution is both an exciting
academic challenge and a critically important component of your biological repertoire. During this
semester, we will explore the field of evolution (sampling at various depths along the way) and
demonstrate how evidence and an evolutionary perspective can be used to answer a broad range of
biological questions and resolve a diversity of biological problems.
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Week Date
Topic
Text reference
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1
1/20
Introduction
Ch. 1
1/22
Classification and Phylogeny
Ch. 2
2
1/25
1/27
1/29
Classification and Phylogeny
Patterns of Evolution
Patterns of Evolution
Ch. 2
Ch. 3
Ch. 3
3
2/1
2/3
2/5
Evolution in the Fossil Record
A History of Life on Earth
The Geography of Evolution
Ch. 4
Ch. 5
Ch. 6
4
2/8
2/10
2/12
TEST 1
Evolution of Biodiversity
Origin of Genetic Variation
Ch. 7
Ch. 8
2/15
2/17
2/19
Origin of Genetic Variation
Variation
Variation
Ch. 8
Ch. 9
Ch. 9
5
1
6
2/22
2/24
2/26
Genetic Drift
Natural Selection and Adaptation
Natural Selection and Adaptation
Ch. 10
Ch. 11
Ch. 11
7
3/1
3/3
3/5
Natural Selection and Adaptation
TEST 2
Genetical Theory of Natural Selection
Ch. 11
8
3/8
3/10
3/12
Spring Break
Spring Break
Spring Break
9
3/15
3/17
3/19
Phenotypic Evolution
Phenotypic Evolution
Evolution of Life Histories
Ch. 13
Ch. 13
Ch. 14
10
3/22
3/24
3/26
Evolution of Life Histories
Sex and Reproductive Success
Sex and Reproductive Success
Ch. 14
Ch. 15
Ch. 15
11
3/29
3/31
4/2
Conflict and Cooperation
TEST 3`
Easter Break
Ch. 16
12
4/5
4/7
4/9
Species
Species
Speciation
Ch. 17
Ch. 17
Ch. 18
13
4/12
4/14
4/16
Speciation
Coevolution
Evolution of Genes and Genomes
Ch. 18
Ch. 19
Ch. 20
14
4/19
4/21
4/23
Evolution of Genes and Genomes
Evolution and Development
Evolution and Development
Ch. 20
Ch. 21
Ch. 21`
15
4/26
4/28
4/30
Macroevolution
Evolutionary Science, Creationism, and Society
Assessment Test
Ch. 22
Ch. 23
Ch. 12
16
5/5
Final Exam: Wednesday, 10:10 A.M.
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PowerPoint lectures can be accessed and printed out prior to class, from:
http://academic.regis.edu/htaylor/.
TEXT: Futuyma, Douglas J. 2009. Evolution. 2nd ed. Sinauer.
Each test contributes points that are accumulated throughout the semester. To determine letter grades, I
will convert points to % and scale to 100% based on the highest individual total. You will be informed
of current letter grades following each test. Makeup tests are given only in extenuating circumstances
and only with a valid excuse. Such tests must be taken within one week of the scheduled test date.
Twenty-five points will be subtracted from unexcused makeup tests to make it worthwhile to take all
tests on time. If you have a legitimate reason for missing a scheduled test (e.g., athletes sometimes have
conflicting schedules), see me a week before the test for rescheduling.
Grades will be determined from the scale below.
GRADING SCALE (%):
93--100
89--92
85--88
81--84
77--80
73--76
A
AB+
B
BC+
69--72
65--68
61--64
57--60
53--56
< 53
C
CD+
D
DF
Note that the numerical boundaries between letter grade categories are sharply defined—e.g., a final
average of 88 is B+ and cannot be rationalized as A-.
If you have a documented disability requiring academic adjustments for this course, please contact Joie
Williams, Director of Disability Services (303-458-4941 or [email protected]. It is suggested that
you contact Disability Services, Room 118, Coors Life Directions Center at the beginning of the
semester, so that you can receive accommodations for the complete semester; accommodations at the
post-secondary level are not retroactive.
Academic dishonesty is unacceptable. Infractions can result in failure of the course—grade F; it simply
isn’t worth the risk. Consistent with the Academic Integrity Policy of Regis College, I will report all
violations of this course’s academic integrity policy to the Dean’s Office. Students who have
committed multiple instances of academic dishonesty can be subject to institutional penalties such as
probation, suspension, or expulsion, in addition to the penalties for this course. The Academic Integrity
Policy is described in the Regis University Bulletin; detailed information about the policy and the
appeals process can be found in the Dean’s Office.
The last day to withdraw from this course is Friday, March 26.
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