BI 325 - Evolutionary Biology

This course is an introduction to the processes and mechanisms of evolution. A variety of microevolutionary and macroevolutionary topics will be addressed including natural selection, genetic drift, sexual selection, history of life on Earth, systematics, and speciation. The importance of evolutionary theory in organismal biology, genetics, behavior, molecular biology, and medicine will be discussed throughout the semester. Students will gain a deeper understanding of evolutionary theory through hands-on laboratory exercises. Examples of laboratory topics include antibiotic resistance, phylogenetic trees and their applications, molecular clocks, and coevolution.

Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory each week for one semester. Four credits.

Prerequisite(s): BI 103 - BI 104 or equivalent as determined by Department Chair.