Biological Diversity: Patterns and Processes

5 credits

Syllabus, Bachelor's level, 1MB203

A revised version of the syllabus is available.
Code
1MB203
Education cycle
First cycle
Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
Biology G1F
Grading system
Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail (U)
Finalised by
The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 27 April 2010
Responsible department
Biology Education Centre

Learning outcomes

The course aims at giving students a broad understanding of the biological diversity that exists at all levels of biological organisation (genes, individuals, populations, species, ecosystems), and to provide knowledge about the processes that generate and maintain this diversity.

After completing the course the student should be able to:

  • describe basic evolutionary processes, such as natural- and sexual selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and describe various speciation processes
  • generalise and exemplify the diversity of organisms and forms in a phylogenetic perspective, and be able to interpret phylogenies
  • discuss the structure and function of organisms in relation to physical factors and environmental variables
  • describe the evolution of different behaviours, mating systems and life history characteristics, and to explain how these variables interact with the environment and how they are linked to speciation.
  • explain different mechanisms for maintenance of biodiversity, and explain how various threats may affect biodiversity
  • describe some biotechnological applications, and discuss how they may affect the biological diversity
  • to summarise scientific texts in a brief and concise way so fellow students can understand it

Content

  • Population genetics and evolutionary theory, selection, adaptation, genetic drift, gene flow, macroevolution.
  • Speciation. Analyses of phylogenies. Interpreting the characteristics of a phylogeny. Overview of life's development on earth.
  • Forms and functions, scaling effects (allometric), basic biomechanical.
  • Behavioral, population and community ecology.
  • Conservation biology, sustainable development, biotechnology applications
  • Write a summary of a scientific text which is processed and self-evaluated after feedback, and provide feedback on others' texts.

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