BL3307 Evolution
(BL3307 online module handbook version 94)
image: The power of evolution: A male peacock spider (Maratus volans) with psychedelic spider painting on his back to attract females. Photo by Jurgen Otto.†
This module examines how evolutionary processes cause the extraordinary patterns of biological variation we observe on planet Earth, and the approaches that modern research programmes use to study this. Topics include: adaptation, molecular variation and phylogenetics; the evolution of sex; genetics of continuous traits; evolutionary developmental biology; population genetics; speciation, and evolutionary genomics. Practicals will involve computer simulations to investigate a range of evolutionary phenomena, plus use of molecular markers to examine population structure and speciation.
*Credits: 20*
Semester: 1†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Before taking this module you must pass BL2303 or pass BL2307*
Anti-requisite Modules:*
Post-requisite Modules:*
Additional Module Information:
Biology Teaching Office:
Level 2, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3602 or 3566
BL3307: Assessment
3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%*
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
Who to ask †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
Before contacting staff, students should check the content of the Biology Undergraduate Handbook, the module handbook and specific task instructions.
Biology Teaching Office:
We are happy to hear from you about teaching matters. The School of Biology Teaching Office is open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00. School of Biology staff will respond to your emails during these hours. Our team will provide a response to you within three working days.
Biology Teaching Office (Level 2), University of St Andrews, Biomolecular Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk
Tel: 01334 46 3602 or 3566
BL3307: Contributing Staff †
BL3307: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL3307 successfully should be able to:
- Understand the basic processes of population genetics underlying evolutionary change.
- Understand the genetic basis of continuous variation and its importance in population differentiation and speciation.
- Know how to analyze molecular variation for examining genetic diversity and population structure.
- Understand how evolution occurs at the molecular level.
- Develop skills for quantitative analysis of evolutionary change.
- Acquire experience of working independently and together in groups.
- Develop skills for scientific exploration and discovery.
BL3307: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
Transferable Skills
- "Full" practical write-up (Intro, Methods, Results, Discussion)
- "Short" practical write-up (e.g. completed worksheet)
- Short essay (1000-2000 words)
- Critically evaluating sources/information
- Finding information on the web
- Finding literature
- Referencing
- Computer programming
- Problem-solving questions
- Calculations/equations
- Descriptive statistics
- Likelihood
- Non-linear fit
- Other mathematical models
- Produce tables
- Use Excel
- Use other data analysis software
- Use R or R Studio
- Working in pairs/small groups
Policies †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology UG handbook  JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)Â
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology UG hand book JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/
