Evolution and Genetics

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Using example of recent evolution, demonstrate how selection is manifest at the genomic level.
• Provide an understanding of the interaction between humans, animals and plants and how domestication has given rise to the society we see today.
• Consider various aspects of the process of coevolution in a wide range of interacting species.

Evolutionary processes impact on individuals, populations, and communities. Evolution typically happens over long time periods, but this is not always the case. Strong selection can result in rapid evolution. This is underpinned by understanding the genetics of evolution. In this module, we will examine various ways in which ecology and evolution interact. The module will be taught by two members of staff and will reflect their current research interests. It will begin by investigating the interaction between humans, animals, and plants and how domestication has given rise to the society we see today. An understanding of evolutionary processes, using domestication as a model system, will be investigated. Then we will focus on exploring the different ways in which interacting organisms can influence each other’s evolution, and how coevolution manifest itself in different types of interactions. Finally, we will discuss how species originate, starting from natural selection and genetic drift in reproductively isolated populations, evolving into locally adapted populations, and resulting in divergence into separate taxa and speciation. Varied though the topics in this module are, they all highlight the interaction between ecology and evolution.

The principal method of teaching will be via 20 lectures plus one computer session;

Students will critique a ChatGPT essay and then write their own, improved one;

Students will prepare an experimental plan;

Students will carry out genetic analysis computationally;

The students will be directed to considerable background reading.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.