Course content

The course should provide a deeper understanding of key concepts and theories in topics currently discussed in evolutionary biology. The course is based on the reading of recent and classical primary literature. It comprises a series of 10 sessions of 3 hours, each session corresponding to a specific topic:

• Evolutionary genetics
• Quantitative genetics
• Selection in the wild
• Genetics of small populations
• Phenotypic plasticity
• Eco-evolutionary dynamics
• Macroevolution
• Speciation
• Macroevolutionary patterns
• Evolution and development
• Life history evolution
• Molecular evolution
• Genome evolution
• Philosophy of science
• Extended evolutionary synthesis
• Evolution in the context of philosophy of science

The course can be cancelled if less than 5 participants.

Learning outcome

Students should have general knowledge of concepts and theories in evolutionary biology more specifically in evolutionary genetics, micro- and macroevolution, molecular evolution and philosophy of science in evolutionary biology.

Skills:

Students should be able to:

• Present orally in the form of a lecture concepts and theories in evolutionary biology
• Understand and discuss critically these concepts as well as the investigation methods.

General qualifications:

Students shall be able to:

• Participate in debates within the field of national and international forums
• Identify new relevant issues and contribute to the development of new ideas, theories, methods, interpretations and documentation in evolutionary biology

Learning methods and activities

Seminar: 30 hours

Presentation of two lectures of 45 min on an assigned topic with visual support - similar to trial lecture at the PhD defense. The presentations are followed by a two hours discussion on the presented topic.

Required previous knowledge

Basic evolutionary biology (BI2017, BI3082)

Course materials

Primary literature - To be decided each year