BI1FOE2: Fundamentals of Evolution

Module code: BI1FOE2

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Louise Johnson, email: l.j.johnson@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Sofia Gripenberg, email: s.gripenberg@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module will provide you with an overview of evolution, a fundamental concept in biology that refers to the process by which species change over time through genetic variation and natural selection. We will describe evolutionary processes, emphasising the forces that cause and hinder change, and some of the major patterns that result. This module will provide you with an understanding of the mechanisms of evolution, introduce you to the diverse approaches for the study of genetic and phenotypic evolution and demonstrate how evolutionary perspective is fundamental and improves understanding of diverse areas of modern biology.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Interpret quantitative data in the form of graphs and figures and perform simple quantitative calculations in population genetics
2. Interpret phylogenetic trees and turn data into a phylogeny
3. Describe how natural selection results in adaptation arise and what limits their perfection
4. Discuss species concepts; how new species arise and patterns of extinction

Module content

This module introduces evolution as the grand unifying theory of biology and covers fundamental evolutionary processes at all scales introducing topics such as population genetics, adaptation, natural selection, phylogenetics, speciation, coevolution, and sexual selection. 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The learning outcomes will be met through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, workshops, self-directed learning and directed independent study. Appropriate supplementary information and reading lists will be provided on Blackboard. 

Study hours

At least 40 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Students will be given test-yourself questions every week on the lecture material, essential and recommended reading (questions similar to those that will appear in the final exam) to familiarize students with exam format and allow them to assess their individual progress, and identify areas for improvement.

Reassessment

Additional costs