Evolutionary Theory

Faculteit | Science and Engineering |
Jaar | 2022/23 |
Vakcode | WMEV006-08 |
Vaknaam | Evolutionary Theory |
Niveau(s) | master |
Voertaal | Engels |
Periode | semester I a (05-09-2022 til 13-11-2022) |
ECTS | 8 |
Rooster | rooster.rug.nl |
Uitgebreide vaknaam | Evolutionary Theory | ||||||||||||||||
Leerdoelen | 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. |
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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. |
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Uren per week | |||||||||||||||||
Onderwijsvorm |
Hoorcollege (LC), Opdracht (ASM), Practisch werk (PRC)
(LC (100hrs), ASM (62hrs), PRC (62hrs); See "remarks" section for more information) |
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Toetsvorm |
Opdracht (AST)
(AST (100%) 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.) |
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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 |
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Entreevoorwaarden | Students within the track MEME have priority. There are no entry requirements, but some basic knowledge of mathematics (differentiation, integration) is assumed. |
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Opmerkingen |
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Opgenomen in |
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