Evolutionary Biology

Non applicable

In each unit, the main concepts will be exposed via theoretical lectures followed by experimental procedures and/or field trips. The experimental procedures and/or field trips are coordinated by the professor and the students will carry out autonomous work in order to apply and develop the theoretical concepts. For each experimental procedure and/or field trip the students have to present a report.

1. To acquire knowledge on biology and evolutionary biology in order to interpret life and its patterns, specifically on: the origin of life; classification of living based on their specific characteristics; Molecular Genetics and Reproduction, to understand the Evolution of Populations and Speciation; animal behavior.
2. To acquire basic knowledge as a preparation for the other life sciences courses along the study plan.

1. Introduction (8 hours): How to study life?; How to ask questions and use the scientific method?; What is a theory? How are all organisms alike? How are groups of organisms different from one another?

2. Chemistry and cell biology (16 hours): The chemical foundations of life; Biological molecules; Why are all organisms made of cells?; Directions and rates of biochemical processes; How do organisms supply themselves with energy? Cellular respiration and photosynthesis; Hereditary and genome: the continuity of life.

3. Patterns and processes of evolution and diversity (24 hours); What is the evidence of evolution? How do populations evolve?; How do species evolve?

4. Behavioural Science (12 hours): What questions to ask about behaviour? How do genes and environment interact to shape behaviour? Behaviour responses to the environment; How do organisms communicate?; Why do animal societies evolve?; Orientation and migration.

• - Report in each unit (weight of each unit: 1: 12.5%; 2: 27.5%; 3: 40%; 4: 20%) - 20.0%
• - Written test in each unit (weight of each unit: 1: 12.5%; 2: 27.5%; 3: 40%; 4: 20%) - 80.0%

• - Written test - 100.0%

NAO