Evolutionary Biology (BS3173)

This course focuses on the processes of evolution and the patterns generated by these processes. Aim is to develop a scientific way of thinking about biological diversity. It will address key components of evolutionary biology from the perspective of molecular evolution, from the perspective of individual organisms evolving attributes to cope with stresses and from a macro-evolutionary perspective. Natural selection, sexual selection, kin selection and inclusive fitness are used to develop an understanding of the behavioral, morphological and physiological adaptations of individual organisms to their environments, as well as an understanding of the interactions and co-evolutionary processes that occur between organisms both intra- and inter-specific.