BL3316 Co-Evolution: Living Together

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Curricular information may be subject to change

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Lectures: 1.00-2.00pm Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; Practicals: TBA

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr V C J Dietrich-Bischoff

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Team taught

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module considers coevolution: how organisms influence the evolution of other organisms around them. Some of the most exquisite and remarkable adaptations in the natural world are the products of coevolution, from the elaborate displays of birds-of-paradise to the sexual mimicry of orchids. We will consider coevolution within a species, focusing in particular on the interactions between males and females, and also coevolution between species, including animal-plant interactions, host-parasite interactions, and predator-prey interactions. Topics to be considered in detail will include sexual selection, pollination biology, prey defences, the evolution of virulence, and the ecology of coevolution, considering e.g. tritrophic interactions between animals, plants and fungi. Finally, we will look at broader themes in coevolution, including the geographic mosaic theory of coevolution and applied aspects of coevolution.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS BL2304 OR PASS BL2307 OR PASS BL2312

Assessment pattern

Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

Across the semester: 33 x 1h lectures/tutorials, 2 x 3h practicals

Scheduled learning hours

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

161

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.