TLÜ ÕIS

Evolutionary Biology

Course code

MLB6014.LT

old course code

MLB6014

Course title in Estonian

Evolutsiooniteooria

Course title in English

Evolutionary Biology

ECTS credits

3.0

Assessment form

Examination

lecturer of 2023/2024 Spring semester

Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.

lecturer of 2024/2025 Autumn semester

Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.

Course aims

Major. The theory of evolution is the most important theory in contemporary biological sciences. To provide students with knowledge of the main principles of evolutionary biology and in so doing give them a real basis from which to understand biological processes on all organisational levels of life. Modern or synthetic evolutionary biology is important for understanding the natural history and biological diversity of Earth.

Brief description of the course

The course gives an overview of the rise of evolutionary ideas, the theories of Darwin and modern synthesis. Four main areas are covered: evolutionary genetics, adaptation and natural selection, biological diversity and the concept of species and macroevolution. The concepts of the origins of life and human evolution are also covered.

Learning outcomes in the course

Upon completing the course the student:
- is able to analyze processes taking place in the living world according to historical perspective;
- has basic knowledge of contemporary synthetic theory of evolution and biological mechanism leading to biological evolution;
- understands the concept of species and process of speciation as well as evolutionary aspects of interactions among species.

Teacher

lektor Andres Veske

Prerequisite course 1

Genetics (MLB6013.LT)

Study programmes containing that course