UNIVERSITY OF GUAM

COURSE OUTLINE

COURSE NUMBER: BI 310 COLLEGE/UNIT: College of Arts & Sciences

Course Title: Evolution Division of Natural Sciences

Date of Final Approval: Credit Hours: 4

Semester Offered: SP/Odd Years

General Education Requirement

X Part of Biology major program

Elective

1. CATALOG DESCRIPTION

This course is an introduction to the modern theory of evolution. The focus of the course is the mechanisms that cause the evolution of adaptations and new species. The pattern of evolution in the fossil record is analyzed to understand the causes of speciation and extinction patterns. The ability of evolutionary theory to inform studies in other areas of biology (such as genetics, morphology, and ecology) is stressed. The course consists of three hours of lecture weekly.

Prerequisite: BI 157/157L and BI 158/158L

2. COURSE CONTENT

The course will begin with an introduction to theories of the origin of life. The origin and evolution of the major groups of organisms will be presented in relation to the geological time scale. Proposed causes of the major extinctions in the fossil record will be discussed. The mechanisms of species formation will be compared with experimental evidence for each mechanism. The action of natural selection in creating adaptive evolution will be outlined. The role of genetic variation in providing material for the action of natural selection will be presented. Evolution of the human species in both its biological and cultural aspects will be discussed.

3. RATIONALE FOR THE COURSE

A modern training in biology requires an insight into the major causes of the biological patterns that we observe. Evolutionary theory integrates in a mechanistic way such topics as genetics, morphology, physiology, and ecology. No course in the undergraduate curriculum currently fills this need.

4. SKILLS AND BACKGROUND REQUIRED OR EXPECTED

This is a course for undergraduate students (for both biology majors and students majoring in related areas). An introductory biology course is required. Classes in genetics and basic mathematics (such as algebra) are also useful.

5. TEACHING METHODOLOGIES AND ANTICIPATED CLASS SIZE:

Three 1-hour lectures per week. Anticipated class size: 15-20 students.

6. ADDITIONAL COURSE DESCRIPTORS

None

7. LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR STUDENTS

Upon completion of the course, the students will:

a) discuss the scientific evidence for evolution;

b) state the evidence for the origin of life from non-living matter in the early history of the Earth;

c) describe the major groups of organisms and related them to the evolutionary history of each group;

d) outline the major theories about how species form and be familiar with the data in support of each theory;

e) demonstrate understanding of how natural selection acts on genetic variation to produce evolutionary change, including new adaptations;

f) demonstrate understanding of how biological and cultural evolution have interacted to produce modern humans from primate ancestors.

8. METHODS OF EVALUATION

Weekly quizzes, a mid-term and a final exam.

9. REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND/OR STUDY GUIDES

Required text: Futuyma, D. J., Third Edition. Evolutionary Biology. Sinauer, Sunderland, MA. Additional readings from Scientific American.

10. SUBSEQUENT COURSES

This course would provide a background to more advanced courses in genetics and evolution (such as the graduate course (BI 525) in evolutionary biology or a course in population or molecular genetics).

THE CALENDAR OF ASSIGNMENTS, ATTENDANCE AND GRADING POLICIES ARE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE COURSE SYLLABUS.