Introduction to Evolution and Ecology

Teaching semester

Autumn.

This course has a limited capacity, enrolment is based on application. Application deadline is Thursday in week 33 for the autumn semester. Please see this page for more information: https://www.uib.no/en/matnat/53431/admission-courses-limited-capacity 

The time of the first lecture/orientation meeting can be found in the schedule on the course website or on the Mitt UiB learning platform.

It is mandatory to attend the first lecture.

Objectives and Content

The subject gives a basic introduction to how the process of evolution can be utilized to achieve biological insight: how adaptation operates in biological entities, genetic algorithms, evolution of life and macroevolution, population genetics, human evolution. The course does also contain basic population dynamics, the development of the field of biology, and ends with areas for application for evolutionary principles. The mathematical contents of the course is linked to population dynamics, population genetics, behaviour, and natural selection.

Learning Outcomes

Goals for learning:

• to give students an introduction to biological reasoning, with emphasis on evolution and adaptation
• to give students a foundation for a unified understanding of the biological disciplines taught in later bachelor courses
• to show that the present philosophy of biology has come about through scientific research
• to give a basic introduction to the application of mathematics in biology
• to give students a basic understanding of evolution and human biology
• to train students in critical evaluation of texts
• to give students experiences in writing, cooperation and portfolio evaluation

Recommended Previous Knowledge

The course is based upon MAT101 or MAT111 which can be read in parallel.

Forms of Assessment

Due to the measures taken to avoid the spread of Covid-19, UiB is closed for on-campus assessment. As a consequence, the following changes is made to assessment autumn semester 2020:

• Written home examination instead of written examination

Grading Scale

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade, grade F is a fail.

Course Evaluation

Students will evaluate the course in accordance with the quality assurance system at UiB and the Department. You can find courseevaluations in the Quality Assurance Reports.