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, genetic basis of traits. Apply basic probability estimates and statistics to inheritance patterns. Topics: 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. Topics: History of evolutionary biology. Concepts of natural selection, adaptation, drift, neutral vs. adaptive evolution. Microevolutionary processes (measuring genetic variation, processes affecting allele frequencies, natural and sexual selection, fitness concepts). Speciation processes ( species concepts, speciation rates, reproductive barriers. Basics of phylogenetics (classification, phylogenetic trees, parsimony, molecular clock). Macroevolutionary processes (origin of life, major transitions, extinctions, radiation), fossil records and biogeography. Basics of genome evolution (genome size and composition, evo-devo, systems biology). Ecology: Introducing basic ecological principles and processes. Develop and test hypotheses in ecology. Topics: Effects of physical environment and environmental change on organismal distribution patterns and community ecology (interaction between organisms, succession, diversity, food webs) and on behavioural mechanisms and adaptation. Effects of individual characteristics on population- level processes. Topics covered: species interactions (competition, predation, disease, parasitism), habitat selection, competition (habitat, niche), population regulation, economic decisions, energetics, ontogeny (flexibility, adaptation), mate choice, parental conflict, resource competition, mating systems, trade-offs and constraints, communication, sexual conflict and selection, living in groups (cooperation), health, ageing.
Uren per week
Onderwijsvorm	Hoorcollege (LC), Opdracht (ASM) (LC-27hr; ASM-4hrs, self study 109 hrs)
Toetsvorm	Meerkeuze toets (MC), Opdracht (AST), Schriftelijk tentamen (WE) (WE-50%; MC-50%; AST has to be completed. The overall exam grade needs to be higher than 5.5 to pass the course. The grade on the multiple-choice exam must be a 6.0 or higher.)
Vaksoort	propedeuse
Coördinator	dr. M.A. Schenkel
Docent(en)	prof. dr. ir. J. Komdeur , K.J. Tiedge, PhD.
Verplichte literatuur	Titel Auteur ISBN Prijs An Introduction to Behavioural Ecology (4th ed. 2012) NB Davies, JR Krebs & SA West 9781405114165 Biology. A Global Approach (12th ed. 2020) Campbell et al. 9781292341637
Entreevoorwaarden	Basic high-school knowledge of genetics, ecology and evolution. PLEASE NOTE This course unit is only accessible to students enrolled in the Bachelor's programme Biology. Students following other degree programmes cannot follow this course unit and will be unenrolled in Progress.
Opmerkingen	Other lecturer: S. Visser Attendance requirement: 1st lecture.
Opgenomen in	Opleiding Jaar Periode Type BSc Biologie - Jaar 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