Newcastle University

Pre Requisite Comment

Equivalent modules acceptable.

Co Requisite Comment

n/a

Aims

To provide a sound basis to the understanding of the principles of, and experimental procedures involved in the science of evolutionary processes at the population level and basic population genetics.
To introduce and expand on theories such as adaptation by natural selection and mechanisms of speciation.
To build on the introductory knowledge of numerical and statistical analyses.

Outline Of Syllabus

Students will be provided with a sound basis to the understanding of the principles of, and experimental procedures involved in, the science of evolution and ecological genetics at the population level. It will be approached from the viewpoint of general biology: ecology and behaviour are combined with population genetics to better understand the evolution of species. It uses some basic modelling and both animal and plant examples. The examples/exercises are relevant to other modules taken by the students, in an ecological and applied context. A main feature of the module is a collection of small problem solving (numerical/statistical) exercises, seminars and practicals that illustrate the lecture material.

• Genetic variation: introduction to phenotype/ genotype, quantitative/qualitative variation, how to measure variation, and what are alleles
• Organisation of genetic variation: random mating and Hardy Weinberg equilibrium and population structure
• Sources of variation: mutation, recombination and migration, loss of variation: selection and genetic drift
• Quantitative genetic variation, heritability and selection
• Molecular population genetics and evolution
• Mating system, inbreeding depression, hybridisation
• Population fragmentation, population history, phylogeography
• Adaptive significance of sex and selfish genetic elements
• Natural and balanced selection and clines

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

After this module, students should understand the basic principles underlying evolutionary processes at the population level. They should be able to relate the practical examples with respect to, for instance, conservational implications of inbreeding in small populations, or selfing and they should be able to apply these principles to their general biological and human experience. Students should have more thorough understanding of testing hypotheses and statistical analyses and their use in biology. The knowledge gained is valuable for Stage 3 Conservation modules, their third year project and the broad area of ecology and behavioural evolution.

Intended Skill Outcomes

After this module students should be able to perform simple experiments in the laboratory and the field. They should be able to summarise data resulting from experiments in tables, statistically analyse them, test hypotheses and discuss results in a wider context. They will have increased their computing skills and practised problem solving. These skills are valuable for the final year Research Project.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will introduce the basic material and the seminars, practicals and homework exercises/tests bring this into practice to ensure that the students learn from the lectures and are able to apply it to real situations.

Giving 3 practicals, 1 computer based practical and 5 homework exercises ensures that students come into contact with a variety of research techniques and different skills are used, such as arithmetics and IT skills. Seminars supply extensive feedback on exercises and Blackboard tests. These also help prepare the students for the exam.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The module conveys theoretical material illustrated by a wide variety of examples. The best way of learning this material, which is generally considered very difficult, is by following each subject by a practical/paper exercise. These by themselves introduce a variety of research methods to the students as they take a variety of forms, from field collection of material, simple laboratory experiments, to mathematical exercises and computer simulations. Comprehension of lectures and work undertaken during laboratory classes / paper exercises is tested by taking a Blackboard test. The exam tests student's knowledge and skills.

The resit tests the understanding of the lectures and work undertaken during the laboratory classes.

General Notes

N/A