Evolutionary Theory

Uitgebreide vaknaam	Evolutionary Theory
Leerdoelen	Learning objectives: At the end of the course, the student is able to: 1) describe, classify and explain the most prominent modelling approaches in evolutionary theory (including population genetics, quantitative genetics, evolutionary game theory, life history theory, adaptive dynamics) and to apply them in simple examples; they are able to evaluate the scope and limitations of these approaches and to select the most adequate approach for a given research problem. 2) explain central concepts of evolutionary theory (including evolutionary stability, evolutionary branching, adaptive landscapes, linkage disequilibrium, heritability, sexual selection, sexual conflict) and to apply these concepts in various research contexts. 3) critically read modelling studies, to compare the conclusions of different studies, and to evaluate the empirical and theoretical relevance of these conclusions.
Omschrijving	The course will provide an overview of modern evolutionary theory, with emphasis on natural and sexual selection. The central objective is to expose students to the most prominent modelling approaches (including population genetics, quantitative genetics, evolutionary game theory, life history theory, and adaptive dynamics) and to critically discuss the scope and limitations of these approaches. To this end, various modelling frameworks will be applied to the same research question. The students will acquire a sound knowledge of central concepts in evolutionary theory, including adaptive landscapes, frequency-dependent selection, evolutionarily stable strategies, evolutionary branching, reproductive value, inclusive fitness, handicap principle, epigenetics, and cultural evolution. Topics covered include social evolution, life history evolution, the evolution of mating systems, sexual selection and sexual conflict, optimal sex allocation, speciation, and animal personalities. Each course week is devoted to a certain theme (selection dynamics, evolutionary game theory, life history evolution, sexual selection, social evolution, adaptive diversity), and each course day is devoted to a specific topic. A typical course day consists of several hours of lectures, interspersed with reading literature or work on exercises and assignments. The lectures are highly interactive and often take the form of a group discussion. During the practicals, the students work on (often challenging) exercises that closely relate to the topic of the preceding lectures. The results of this work is then discussed in the subsequent lectures. This way, the students get hands-on experience with the concepts, models and techniques covered. The scope and the limitations of the various techniques will be discussed in detail, as well as the question which modelling approach to choose under which circumstances.
Uren per week
Onderwijsvorm	Hoorcollege (LC), Opdracht (ASM), Practisch werk (PRC) (In all of its parts, the course is highly interactive. Therefore, students are expected to be present during all lectures, practicals and assignments. Students have to inform the course coordinator if they cannot attend a component.)
Toetsvorm	Opdracht (AST) (The final grade needs to be 6.0 or higher. This grade is weighted average of the grades given for three shorter one-day assignments (weight: 15% each) and a large one-week assignment (55%). Assessment criteria: understanding of the research question; ability to design methods to study this question; technical ability to apply these methods; quality of scientific reasoning; creativity of approach.)
Vaksoort	master
Coördinator	prof. dr. F.J. Weissing
Docent(en)	prof. dr. I.R. Pen ,prof. dr. G.S. van Doorn ,prof. dr. F.J. Weissing
Verplichte literatuur	Titel Auteur ISBN Prijs Pdf files of >100 scientific articles (all open access) that are either needed for the exercises or recommended as background material are made available via Nestor. open access (via UG library) The PowerPoint presentations of all lectures, the exercises for the practicals and assignments, and worked solutions of all exercises and assignments are made available via Nestor. Lecturers
Entreevoorwaarden	This is a mandatory course for the MEME track of Ecology & Evolution. It provides skills usable in the MSc programmes Biology and Ecology & Evolution. Students within the track MEME have priority. There are no entry requirements, but some basic knowledge of mathematics (differentiation, integration) is assumed.
Opmerkingen	Register for this course by sending an email to: academicadvisor.mscbio@rug.nl This course is designed for students of the MEME track of the MSc Ecology & Evolution. This track is research-oriented and has the overall goal to provide an optimal preparation for a subsequent PhD and eventually a career in academic research. In their first semester, the students follow a mandatory programme of three advanced courses, followed by two research-skills modules. The semester starts with the courses "Behaviour, Ecology & Evolution" and "Evolutionary Theory" that are running in parallel. Non-MEME students have to pass an entry test in order to participate in the course.
Opgenomen in	Opleiding Jaar Periode Type MSc Ecology and Evolution: Ecology and Conservation  (Electives/optional modules) - semester I a keuze MSc Ecology and Evolution: Evolutionary Biology  ( Track Evolutionary Biology) - semester I a verplicht MSc Marine Biology: Research  (Compulsory master courses) - semester I a keuze