BL4286 Advanced Topics in Evolution

2024 to 2025 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 10

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.

Availability restrictions

Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable

To be arranged.

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

Module coordinator

Prof M G Ritchie

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

Module description

In this module, we will consider outstanding questions in modern Evolutionary Biology to develop a detailed understanding of research issues in this field. Both molecular and whole organismal approaches will be addressed. Topics will be based on classic papers in the literature raising theoretical questions about the origin of species, adaptation, genetic drift and natural and sexual selection. Each classic paper will be combined with a recently published study addressing one of these theoretical topics. We will use tutorials and student-led seminars to address the topics in detail. The result will be an exciting opportunity to tackle classic topics in evolution and learn how the very latest research addresses these issues.

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Existing Coursework = 50%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 2-hour seminar (x 10 weeks).

Scheduled learning hours

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

Guided independent study hours

130

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