BIOL 107 - Introduction to Evolution

Number of Credits: 3
Investigate population variation and conservation, as well as evolutionary medicine and disease, through the application of evolutionary theory. Explore how evolution impacts society today and how it fits into the broader scope of scientific inquiry. Explore how fossils help tell the story of the evolutionary history of life on earth, focusing on our own story of human evolution. (Fall & Spring Only) Three hours lecture each week. Three Credits. Three billable hours.

GENERAL EDUCATION. Category: Biological and Physical Sciences

Pre-requisite(s): Eligibility for ENGL 101.
Course Topics:
science, Darwin, microevolution, introduction to genetics, evolutionary medicine, macroevolution, phylogenetics, fossils, human evolution
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Discuss how the organizing principle of evolution by means of natural selection explains the diversity of life (GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4, GE6)
Discuss the process of scientific inquiry (GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4, GE6)
Use scientific literature to support arguments for open ended questions (GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4, GE6)
Apply the principles of evolutionary theory to address current issues (GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4, GE6)
Explain the genetic principles underlying evolutionary mechanisms (GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4, GE6)
Interpret basic phylogenetic trees and why they are expected to change over time (GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4, GE6)
Describe the principle mechanisms of evolution (GE1, GE2, GE3, GE4, GE6)