Genetics, Ecology and Evolution

Uitgebreide vaknaam	Genetics, Ecology and Evolution
Leerdoelen	At the end of the course, the student is able to: 1) Explain and relate basic principles, processes and terminology in and between the fields of genetics, evolution, and ecology 2) Perform basic analyses and (statistical) tests to solve and interpret field related problems (e.g. genetic mapping, phylogenetic analyses, field observations) 3) Explain how micro- and macroevolutionary processes (e.g. adaptation, speciation) relate to genetic and ecological (bio)diversity 4) Clarify how observable intra-species interactions (e.g. mating systems, resource competition) and inter-species interactions (ecosystems) relate to genetic variation and evolutionary changes in and among populations
Omschrijving	Genetics: Introducing basic principles of genetics and inheritance incl. transmission of genetic information between generations and the genetic basis of traits. Apply basic probability estimates and statistics to inheritance patterns. Topics covered: gene as unit of inheritance, Mendel’s laws, pedigree analysis, multi-allele and -gene inheritance, gene interactions, sex linkage, sex determination, extra-nuclear inheritance, linkage mapping, recombination, chromosome aberrations. Evolution: Introducing evolutionary theory and thinking. History of evolutionary biology. Concepts of natural selection, adaptation, drift, neutral vs. adaptive evolution. Introduction to microevolutionary processes (measuring genetic variation, processes causing changes in allele frequencies natural and sexual selection, fitness concept fitness). Essentials of speciation process (species concepts and rates, reproductive barriers). Basics of phylogenetics (classification, phylogenetic trees, parsimony, molecular clock). Introduction to macroevolution (origin of life, major transitions, extinctions, radiation), information provided by fossil records and biogeography. Basics of genome evolution (genome size and composition, evo-devo, systems biology). Ecology: Introducing basic ecological principles and processes. Gain knowledge on effects of the physical environment and environmental change on organismal distribution patterns and community ecology (interaction between organisms, succession, diversity and food webs) and on how these shape behavioural mechanisms and adaptation. Learn how characteristics of individuals affect population processes. Topics covered: species interactions (competition, predation, disease, parasitism), habitat selection, competition (habitat, niche), population regulation, economic decisions, individual, energetics, ontogeny (flexibility, adaptation), mate choice, parental conflict, competing for resources (ideal free, despotic), mating systems, mechanisms underlying trade-offs and constraints, communication, sexual conflict and sexual selection, living in groups (co-operation), health, ageing and senescence, develop and test hypotheses in ecology.
Uren per week
Onderwijsvorm	Hoorcollege (LC), Opdracht (ASM) (LC-27hr; ASM-4hrs, self study 100 hrs)
Toetsvorm	Meerkeuze toets (MC), Opdracht (AST), Schriftelijk tentamen (WE) (WE-50%; MC-50%; AST has to be done. The exam grade needs to be higher than 5.5 to pass the course)
Vaksoort	propedeuse
Coördinator	prof. dr. L.W. Beukeboom
Docent(en)	prof. dr. L.W. Beukeboom ,dr. L.P.W.G.M. Jacobus Mgn Van De Zande ,prof. dr. ir. J. Komdeur
Verplichte literatuur	Titel Auteur ISBN Prijs An Introduction to Behavioural Ecology (4th ed. 2012) - Not mandatory NB Davies, JR Krebs & SA West 9781405114165 Biology. A Global Approach (11th ed. 2017) Campbell et al.
Entreevoorwaarden	Basic high-school knowledge of genetics, ecology and evolution. PLEASE NOTE Biology and Life Science & Technology (old curriculum) course units are only accessible for students of those degree programmes. Students from other degree programmes who would like to participate in Biology course units are obliged to contact one of the academic advisors before registration. After this contact, students have to request admission from the Board of Examiners Biology/Life Science & Technology. Failing to follow this procedure results in immediate unenrollment without prior notification.
Opmerkingen	The course is obligatory for all 1st year Biology and LS&T students. Dit vak had vorig jaar vakcode WPLS18010
Opgenomen in	Opleiding Jaar Periode Type BSc Biology - Year 1 1 semester I a verplicht BSc Biology: major Behaviour and Neurosciences 1 semester I a verplicht BSc Biology: major Biomedical Sciences 1 semester I a verplicht BSc Biology: major Ecology and Evolution 1 semester I a verplicht BSc Biology: major Integrative Biology  (Semester 1) 1 semester I a verplicht BSc Biology: major Molecular Life Sciences 1 semester I a verplicht