Syllabus for Evolution and Development

Evolution och utveckling

A revised version of the syllabus is available.

Syllabus

  • 15 credits
  • Course code: 1BG397
  • Education cycle: Second cycle
  • Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Biology A1N

    Explanation of codes

    The code indicates the education cycle and in-depth level of the course in relation to other courses within the same main field of study according to the requirements for general degrees:

    First cycle
    G1N: has only upper-secondary level entry requirements
    G1F: has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    G1E: contains specially designed degree project for Higher Education Diploma
    G2F: has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    G2E: has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements, contains degree project for Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
    GXX: in-depth level of the course cannot be classified.

    Second cycle
    A1N: has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    A1F: has second-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    A1E: contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (60 credits)
    A2E: contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (120 credits)
    AXX: in-depth level of the course cannot be classified.

  • Grading system: Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with credit (4), Pass with distinction (5)
  • Established: 2012-03-08
  • Established by: The Faculty Board of Science and Technology
  • Revised: 2015-04-20
  • Revised by: The Faculty Board of Science and Technology
  • Applies from: week 30, 2015
  • Entry requirements: 150 credits including (1) 60 credits in biology and 30 credits in chemistry or 30 credits in earth science, or (2) 90 credits in biology, or (3) 60 credits in earth science, including Principles of Palaeobiology, 15 credits.
  • Responsible department: Biology Education Centre

Learning outcomes

The general aim of the course is to illustrate the interactions between molecular patterning, ontogeny and morphology in an evolutionary perspective. These interactions are studied in detail in selected examples from invertebrates and vertebrates.
After having completed the course the students should be able to:

  • explain how genomic, developmental biological, morphological and palaeontological data can be connected in a phylogenetic framework to illustrate macroevolutionary issues
  • use basic genomic and developmental biological concepts such as paralogy, orthology, gene expression, cell populations and "cell fate choice"
  • account for the detailed morphological structure and evolution of the examples that are discussed during the course
  • review and evaluate scientific papers critically
  • present research results based on critical evaluation of scientific papers
  • identify and discuss ethical aspects related to animal testing.

Content

The course includes examples from invertebrates and vertebrates, as well as an overview of underlying common principles. We study among others the common body plan and patterning of bilaterians, the evolution of the head and the origin and evolution of paired extremities in vertebrates and arthropods. We discuss these questions in a genomic, developmental biological, morphological and palaeontological perspective, within a phylogenetic framework where questions as character polarity are taken into consideration.

Instruction

Teaching includes lectures, seminars and laboratory practicals.

Assessment

Parts of the course: Theory 10 credits; Seminars 2 credits; Laboratory session 3 credits
The theoretical course is examined in a written examination of basic concepts and theories. The seminars require active participation. The laboratory sessions require active participation and laboratory reports.

Syllabus Revisions

Reading list

Reading list

Applies from: week 30, 2015

Some titles may be available electronically through the University library.

Scientific articles

Print syllabus and reading list
Print