Evolution 1

The overall objective is to consolidate students' foundations in evolutionary biology by addressing both (i) macroevolutionary phenomena and the general methods used to analyze them, and (ii) microevolutionary processes with an emphasis on the population genetics approach. This course unit aims to provide a solid foundation of knowledge in evolutionary biology and to illustrate the applications of the discipline to students' future areas of specialization. The course includes: 1) lectures on the concepts of evolution; 2) practical work in two main forms: 2a. sessions focused on the use of tools (phylogeny) and the mathematical formalization of evolutionary processes (population genetics); and 2b: sessions built around group work, allowing students, depending on their background and professional goals, to explore a particular topic in depth (fundamental question or application of evolutionary biology).

"Acquire knowledge of the history of the emergence of evolving concepts;

Acquire the basics to develop a critical understanding of the concept of "biodiversity" in terms of its past and future evolution, learn to discuss the effects of evolution over time using concrete examples from the fossil record ("evidence of evolution"), understand the concept of chance/contingency in macroevolution, and learn how to identify pseudoscientific theories in evolution (e.g., neo-creationism, irreducible complexity, intelligent design, etc.).

Knowledge of basic concepts and tools in phylogenetics: examples of the use of phylogenies; reading trees (root and external group, sister group, branch lengths; mono-, para-, and poly-phyletic groups); methods of phylogenetic reconstruction (cladistics: synapomorphies, maximum parsimony; existence of other approaches: by distance or by probability). Knowledge of the effect of evolutionary forces and their mathematical formalization;

Ability to make the connection between evolutionary phenomena at both time scales;

Proficiency in tools for analyzing neutral genetic structure;

Know the basic concepts of quantitative genetics: understand and describe the variation of a quantitatively determined trait, know how to analyze the transmission and resemblance of the trait between parent and child.

Practical knowledge of the fields of application of evolutionary biology

Ability to present an issue in evolutionary biology and to apply theoretical and practical knowledge in evolutionary biology to answer a question.

Advanced level in formal genetics

Basic knowledge of evolutionary biology

Continuous assessment: 100%