Evolutionary Biology
A.Y. 2018/2019
Learning objectives
The objective of the course is to provide students with the basic knowledge of evolutionary biology, both presenting the general principles of the discipline and exploring in details theoretical problems and case studies.
Expected learning outcomes
The goal is that the student acquires knowledge and reasoning skills useful to interpret biological phenomena in the light of evolution.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Teaching unit: Introduction and general principles of evolution
Darwinian evolutionism, definition and importance of the theory proposed by Darwin. The mechanisms of evolution and the forces at the base of the evolutionary changes of species: mutation, natural and sexual selection, genetic drift, migration. Relevance of sexual selection in the evolution of species, the weight of historical, physical, morphogenetic and genetic constraints. The importance of random genetic drift. Evolution of phenotypic traits. The origin of species and modes of speciation. Principles of molecular evolution and phylogenetics, examples of phylogenetic tree reconstruction.
Teaching unit: Models and problems in evolutionary biology
This teaching unit will present main problems in evolutionary biology (altruism; evolution in interspecific relationships; death; ) and will discuss the main transitions in evolution (origin of life and cells; sexual re production; evolution of sociality).
Darwinian evolutionism, definition and importance of the theory proposed by Darwin. The mechanisms of evolution and the forces at the base of the evolutionary changes of species: mutation, natural and sexual selection, genetic drift, migration. Relevance of sexual selection in the evolution of species, the weight of historical, physical, morphogenetic and genetic constraints. The importance of random genetic drift. Evolution of phenotypic traits. The origin of species and modes of speciation. Principles of molecular evolution and phylogenetics, examples of phylogenetic tree reconstruction.
Teaching unit: Models and problems in evolutionary biology
This teaching unit will present main problems in evolutionary biology (altruism; evolution in interspecific relationships; death; ) and will discuss the main transitions in evolution (origin of life and cells; sexual re production; evolution of sociality).
BIO/02 - SYSTEMATIC BOTANY
BIO/05 - ZOOLOGY
BIO/18 - GENETICS
BIO/05 - ZOOLOGY
BIO/18 - GENETICS
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Bandi Claudio, Gianfranceschi Luca Enrico Angelo
Professor(s)
Reception:
Upon email request
2nd floor, C building, Dept. of Biosciences