Wk

Lecture Topic

(linked to PowerPoint presentations)

Textbook Readings

Discussion Section

(link to detailed assignments)

1

M

Jan 2

HOLIDAY – New Year’s Day (after)

Introductions.

Choose topics for group/individual projects.

How to find and read a scientific paper.

W

Jan 4

Testing Darwin’s postulates

Ch 3

Ch 5.2

Ch 8.3

2

M

Jan 9

Testing Darwin’s postulates

Ch 3

Ch 8.4-5

Find, read, and bring three scientific papers related to your project.

Discuss their significance with your group.

How to write a review of a scientific paper.  Grading rubric for paper.

W

Jan 11

Evolution as an experimental science

Quiz 1 Key

Ch 9

3

M

Jan 16

HOLIDAY – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Bring your review paper.

Work with your group to develop one or more hypotheses for your project.

Have your TA review and approve your hypothesis(es).

W

Jan 18

Evolution as an experimental science

Quiz 2 Key

Ch 9

4

M

Jan 23

Alternatives to natural selection as a hypothesis for phenotypic change – phenotypic plasticity

Ch 9.5

Bring a written experimental design to test one or more of your hypotheses.

Discuss experimental design theory and practice with your group and TA.

Develop a consensus experimental design.

Reviews from Week 3 returned to you.

W

Jan 25

Null hypotheses in evolutionary biology – Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, random genetic drift, and the neutral model

Quiz

Ch 5.1

Ch. 6.2-3

5

M

Jan 30

Null hypotheses in evolutionary biology – Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, random genetic drift, and the neutral model

Ch 5.1

Ch. 6.2-3

Bring two copies of a group-written experimental design.

Critique another group’s experimental design.

How to make a presentation.

Revisions of Week 3 review due.

SCHEDULE MEETING WITH TA AND INSTRUCTOR TO DISCUSS EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AS A GROUP.

W

Feb 1

Sexual selection

Quiz

Ch 10

Ch 12.5

6

M

Feb 6

Guest lecture: Meade Krosby

The role of evolution in biological invasions: Daphnia lumholtzi

Ch 9.5

Turn in hard copy of experimental design.

Group presentations of final experimental designs.

W

Feb 8

Guest lecture: Kristy Brady

Are Ashkenazi Jews an example of natural selection for increased intelligence?

Quiz

Ch 8.7

Ch 19.4

7

M

Feb 13

Monkeyflowers (Mimulus) as a model for evolutionary genetics

Ch 8.2

Data analysis in groups.

W

Feb 15

Monkeyflowers (Mimulus) as a model for evolutionary genetics

Quiz

Ch 8.2

8

M

Feb 20

HOLIDAY – Presidents Day

Data analysis in groups.

W

Feb 22

Statistical inference in data analysis

Quiz

 Ch 9

Box 9.1, 9.2

Box 5.5

Ch 8.3

9

M

Feb 27

Mating systems

 Ch 6.4

Review figures and tables with TA.

W

Mar 1

Population substructure

Quiz

Ch 6.1-6.2 

10

M

Mar 6

Adaptive radiation

Ch 17.2-17.3

Bring final project report.

Grade your group members on their contributions.

W

Mar 8

TBD