Evolutionary Ecology
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| LIFE3023 | Life Sciences | 3 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- LIFE3023
- School
- Life Sciences
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
The module will consider current knowledge of, and research into, the ecological causes and evolutionary processes that govern natural selection, adaptation and microevolution in natural populations. Three approaches to the study of evolutionary ecology will be used: theoretical and optimality models; the comparative method and direct measurement of natural selection in the wild.
Approximately one week will be spent on each of the following topics -
Natural selection and the causes of evolution
The genetic basis of variation and its maintenance
Evolutionary stable strategies
Evolution of life histories
Competition and evolution
Coevolution of predators and prey
Coevolution of hosts and parasites
Coevolution of mutualists
Ecology and the origin of species
Genomics in evolutionary ecology
Target Students
BSc and MSci Biology, Genetics and Zoology students, but open to others. Having taken LIFE2081 Ecology (or an equivalent) is advised but not absolutely necessary.
Classes
This module may be delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops and labs etc
Assessment
- 100% Exam 1 (2-hour): Online data interpretation and MCQ
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
This module will describe the workings of natural selection in wild populations, the ecology that drives it, the processes that constrain it and the microevolution that results. Students will be encouraged to explore different intellectual tools for addressing questions about nature such as models, observations, experiments and the comparative method, and to think about their strengths and weaknesses. The module is based on a series of lectures and associated, critical discussion of papers from the primary literature.Learning Outcomes
a) Knowledge and understanding
- A2. Current trends and developments in Zoology.
- A5. Genetics and evolution of living organisms.
b) Intellectual skills
- B1. Critically analyse and interpret published information and data.
- B2. Think independently while giving due weight.
c) Professional practical skills
- C1. Carry out scientific research and evaluate and make use of the material so acquired.
Transferable (key) skills
- D2. Communicate effectively in oral presentation.
- D5. Reflect on and assess their own progress, strengths and weaknesses.
- D7. Work productively with others.