Evolution 1

"The overall objective is to strengthen students’ foundational knowledge of 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 both to provide a solid common foundation of knowledge in evolutionary biology and to illustrate the discipline’s applications to the students’ future fields of specialization. The course includes: 1) lectures on evolutionary concepts; 2) laboratory sessions in two main formats: 2a. sessions focused on the use of analytical tools (phylogenetics) and on the mathematical formalization of evolutionary processes (population genetics), as well as 2b: sessions structured around group work, allowing students—based on their academic background and career goals—to explore a specific topic in greater depth (a fundamental question or an application of evolutionary biology)."

"Gain an understanding of the history of the emergence of evolutionary concepts;

Acquire the fundamentals for developing a critical understanding of the concept of “biodiversity” in light of its past and future evolution; be able to discuss the effects of evolution over the long term using concrete examples drawn from the fossil record (“evidence of evolution”); understand the concept of chance/contingency in macroevolution, and be able to identify pseudoscientific theories in evolution (e.g., neo-creationism, irreducible complexity, intelligent design...).

Understand the basic concepts and tools of phylogenetics: examples of how phylogenies are used; interpreting trees (root and outgroup, sister group, branch lengths; monophyletic, paraphyletic, and polyphyletic groups); methods of phylogenetic reconstruction (cladistics: synapomorphies, maximum parsimony; existence of other approaches: distance-based or probability-based). Knowledge of the effects of evolutionary forces and their mathematical formalization;

Ability to establish a connection between evolutionary phenomena at both time scales;

Proficiency in tools for analyzing neutral genetic structure;

Understand the basic concepts of quantitative genetics: understand and describe the variation in a quantitatively determined trait; be able to analyze the inheritance and similarity of the trait between parent and child.

Practical knowledge of the fields of application of evolutionary biology

"Ability to present a problem in evolutionary biology and to apply theoretical and practical knowledge of evolutionary biology to answer a question"

Advanced Level in Formal Genetics

Basic knowledge of evolutionary biology

Comprehensive ongoing assessment: 100%