Group: III
Prerequisites: Biology 1 and 2
Credits: 1

Lecture time: MWF 10:30-11:20 AM
Laboratory times: Mon 1:15-4:15 or Thursday 1:15-4:15 (Martin 104) (choose one day).
Required text: Evolution (by Douglas Futuyma, Sinauer, ISBN 0-87893-187-2; available at Swarthmore College Bookstore)
Other required materials: bound laboratory notebook dedicated to this course (several types are available at campus bookstore), pen with ink that doesn't bleed when your notebook gets rained on.

I teach this course every Fall except when I am on leave (Fall 2007 through Spring 2008). When I'm on leave the course (1) might not be offered or (2) might be taught be a visiting faculty member (leave replacement). I will be on leave during the 2007-2008 academic year. An evolution course is a requirement for obtaining Teaching Certification in Biology at Swarthmore College.

Overview
This course covers evidence for evolution, macroevolutionary patterns, speciation, natural selection, sexual selection, kin selection, and variety of topics in population genetics and molecular evolution. I assume participants will have had prior exposure to evolution, natural selection, and speciation in high school and in Bio 1/2. The course is for majors as well as nonmajors.

Lectures
There will be two lectures each week plus one discussion section in which students will discuss relevant articles from the primary literature.

Laboratory activities
1. Phylogenetic reconstruction of Crum meadow weeds using morphological characteristics
2. Phylogenetic reconsruction of Crum meadow weeds using DNA sequences
3. Population genetics of mutant fruit flies (multi-week, in the laboratory)
4. Calculating heritability of body mass in cowpea weevils (multi-week, in the laboratory)
5. Visit to the Darwin Exhibit at the Franklin Institute of Science
6. Analysis of strength of selection acting on burdock seed parasites in Crum meadoes (multi-week laboratory)

Assessment (grading)
In-class exams (40%), laboratory notebook (5%), laboratory attendance/promptness/participation (5%), laboratory write-ups (30%), final exam (20%). Instances of cheating or plagiarism will result in punishments too horrible to describe on the Internet.

View tentative syllabus (PDF)

Enter the Bio 34 Blackboard site