Evolutionary Biology

It is important that Students have knowledge on Biology acquired in the high school.

In each unit, the main concepts are presented orally by the professor, followed by experimental sessions and/or theoretical-practical exercises. The experimental sessions and/or theoretical-practical exercises are coordinated by the teacher and students work independently or in small groups to apply and develop the theoretical concepts.

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: 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: 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; What is the evidence of evolution? How do populations evolve?; How do species evolve?

4. Behavioural Science: 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.

Continuous Assessment

The final mark will be obtained using the following formula:

Midterm Test I * 0.45 + Midterm Test II * 0.25 + Midterm Test III * 0.3

Assessment by examination

Written examination - 100%

NAO