School of Biology current student

Information for current students at the School of Biology

Biology Online Module Handbook

BL4274 Evolutionary Developmental Biology

(BL4274 online module handbook version 17)

cover image

image: Ernst Haeckel\'s phylotypic stage†

Evolution of new morphologies involves changes to the development of organisms. The field of evolutionary developmental biology is thus established as a major and essential component of any comprehensive understanding of evolutionary biology. This module aims to cover some of the main, current themes in evolutionary developmental biology.*

Credits: 15*

Semester: 1†

Module Organiser
Prof Dave Ferrier†
dekf@st-andrews.ac.uk†
01334 463480†
Pre-requisite Modules:
Permission of Biology Honours Adviser required*
Anti-requisite Modules:
*
Post-requisite Modules:
*
Additional Module Information:
Please check MMS regularly for additional module information


BL4274View content for BL4274 (2023/4) in the Module Management System (MMS)
BL4274Download this handbook as a pdf (may take up to ~30 seconds if updating)
BL4274View BL4274 (2023/4) in the University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
† School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
‡ University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

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

BL4274: Timetable †

Legend (not all modules have every event type):
lecture
tutorial
workshop
practical
other

Semester 1: Week 1

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Monday
11-09-2023
15:00 to 17:00		Scottish Oceans Institute
SOI corner seminar room		Prof Dave Ferrier
-		Lecture L1: Module introduction and Animal Phylogeny lecture
2023-4_BL4274_L1

Semester 1: Week 2

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Monday
18-09-2023
15:00 to 17:00		Scottish Oceans Institute
SOI corner seminar room		Dr Carmel McDougall
-		Tutorial T1: Topic 1 - student-led class discussion
2023-4_BL4274_T1
See handbook on Moodle for further details.

Semester 1: Week 3

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Monday
25-09-2023
15:00 to 17:00		Scottish Oceans Institute
SOI corner seminar room		Prof Dave Ferrier
-		Tutorial T2: Discussion of a formative piece of writing, and a review of common techniques in Evo-Devo
2023-4_BL4274_T2
See handbook on Moodle for further details.

Semester 1: Week 4

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Monday
02-10-2023
15:00 to 17:00		Scottish Oceans Institute
SOI corner seminar room		Prof Dave Ferrier
-		Tutorial T3: Topic 2 - student-led class discussion
2023-4_BL4274_T3
See handbook on Moodle for further details.

Semester 1: Week 5

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Monday
09-10-2023
15:00 to 17:00		Scottish Oceans Institute
SOI corner seminar room		Prof Dave Ferrier
-		Tutorial T4: Topic 3 - Feedback class on practise essay.
2023-4_BL4274_T4
See handbook on Moodle for further details.

Semester 1: Week 7

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Tuesday
24-10-2023
15:00 to 17:00		Scottish Oceans Institute
SOI corner seminar room		Prof Dave Ferrier
Dr Marcus Bischoff
Tutorial T5: Assessed Fellowship proposal presentations and discussion.
2023-4_BL4274_T5
See handbook on Moodle for further details.

Semester 1: Week 8

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Monday
30-10-2023
15:00 to 17:00		Scottish Oceans Institute
SOI corner seminar room		Prof Dave Ferrier
-		Tutorial T6: Paper critique class
2023-4_BL4274_T6
See handbook on Moodle for further details.

Semester 1: Week 9

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Monday
06-11-2023
15:00 to 17:00		Scottish Oceans Institute
SOI corner seminar room		Prof Dave Ferrier
-		Tutorial T7: Assessed essay preparation class.
2023-4_BL4274_T7
See handbook on Moodle for further details.

Semester 1: Week 10

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Monday
13-11-2023
15:00 to 17:00		Scottish Oceans Institute
SOI corner seminar room		Prof Dave Ferrier
-		Other O1: Debate
2023-4_BL4274_O1
See handbook on Moodle for further details.

Semester 1: Week 11

DATE & TIMEVENUESTAFFEVENT
Monday
20-11-2023
15:00 to 17:00		Scottish Oceans Institute
SOI corner seminar room		Prof Dave Ferrier
-		Other O2: Feedback class and module review
2023-4_BL4274_O2
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
† School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
‡ University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

BL4274: Reading List

BL4274Click for BL4274 reading list

BL4274: Assessment

Coursework = 100%*

BL4274View coursework assessment details for BL4274 (2023/4) in MMS

The following related information applies to all Biology modules:

School of Biology Marking Criteria: See JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk) 
Late submission of continuous assessment work:

 All late submissions of coursework that do not require electronic submission should be made via the Biology Teaching Office, Level 2, BMS Building, North Haugh.
Exam details: See School of Biology UG Handbook JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  : All Biology exams will be conducted online for 2022-23.
Exam timetable: See Timetables - Exams - University of St Andrews (st-andrews.ac.uk) 
Expected attendance: See JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  for detailed attendance requirements.
Good Academic Practice & Avoiding Academic Misconduct: See JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)
University Student Handbook: University Student Handbook
School and University regulations in the School and University Undergraduate Handbook 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 Alerts.: JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)
University Student Handbook
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
† School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
‡ University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

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.

Questions about Contact
General teaching matters Biology Teaching Office ( bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk )
Rescheduled or cancelled events Check your University email
Lecture or practical content The lecturer who presented the material
Completing assessed practical assignments The lecturer who set the assignment
Completing assessments Module Organiser (Prof Dave Ferrier dekf@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Marking on continuous assessment The Demonstrator or Module Organiser (Prof Dave Ferrier dekf@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Marking on exams Module Organiser (Prof Dave Ferrier dekf@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Rearranging practical days
Module Organiser (Prof Dave Ferrier dekf@st-andrews.ac.uk)
Absence and/or extensions Module Organiser (Prof Dave Ferrier dekf@st-andrews.ac.uk)

and the Biology Teaching Office ( bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk )

Difficulties with academic progress which impact more than one module:

Year Coordinator

See School of Biology UG Handbook for list:
JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)

Overall performance, progress or future directions:

Advisor of Studies

Disability:

Disability Coordinator ( biodisabilities@st-andrews.ac.uk )

For advice and support on any issue e.g. academic, financial, international, personal or health matters, or if you are unsure of who to go to for help:

Advice & Support Centre

Address: 79 North Street, St Andrews

Email: theasc@st-andrews.ac.uk

Web: https://www.standrews.ac.uk/ask-a-question/

Tel: 01334 462020
University assistance with urgent matters out of office hours:

Tel: 01334 476161

Web: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/advice/counselling/incrisis/

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

BL4274: Contributing Staff †

Prof Dave Ferrier
(Module Organiser)

Reader in Biology and Deputy Director of the Scottish Oceans Institutedekf@st-andrews.ac.uk
Dr Marcus BischoffLecturermb273@st-andrews.ac.uk
Prof Dave Ferrier
(Module Organiser)		Reader in Biology and Deputy Director of the Scottish Oceans Institutedekf@st-andrews.ac.uk
Dr Carmel McDougallLecturer in Marine Biologycm107@st-andrews.ac.uk
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
† School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
‡ University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

BL4274: Learning Outcomes †

Students completing module BL4274 successfully should be able to:

  • Communicate a deep and balanced appreciation of the evolutionary developmental biology questions and controversies being considered, both verbally and in writing.
  • Find up-to-date, relevant primary research literature that is critically evaluated.
  • Exhibit verbal communication skills that demonstrate the ability to distil a synthesis of research on a topic into a short verbal presentation supported with visual aids.
  • Conduct a verbal discussion to develop the understanding of the entire group and incorporate views and information provided by all group members.
  • Develop questions about a topic in evolutionary developmental biology that improves the understanding of both the questioner and the group.
  • Clearly articulate a critical evaluation of chosen topics in evolutionary developmental biology via essay writing.
Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
* University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
† School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
‡ University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

BL4274: Acquired Skills †

Practical Skills

    Transferable Skills

    • Group discussion - leading
    • Group discussion - participating
    • Journal club
    • Long individual presentation on given topic (>15 min)
    • Short individual presentation on given topic (up to 15 min)
    • Short individual presentation on project idea (up to 15 min)
    • Long essay (>2000 words)
    • Research proposal
    • Critically evaluating sources/information
    • Finding literature
    • Referencing
    • Sourcing figures/tables
    • Generating questions
    • Peer assessment
    • Critiquing experimental design
    • Designing experiments
    Data Sources: information in this online module handbook is gathered from several sources.
    Small footnote marks beside content, or by section titles indicate the source.
    * University of St Andrews Module Catalogue
    † School of Biology Symbiosis Database (module organisers only)
    ‡ University of St Andrews MMS (St Andrews users only)

    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) 
    • 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/