YSC2216: Evolutionary Biology
Instructor: William H. Piel
Office: RC1-02-06C
SMS: +65 9724 6482
Email: william.piel@yale-nus.edu.sg
Office Hours: Wednesdays 2PM-3:30, but best done with prior SMS or WhatsApp message to check that I didn’t step out for something urgent. Alternatively, feel free to schedule any other time.
Class Schedule
- Tuesdays: 13:00 – 14:30, 1.5-hour class
- Wednesday: 11:30-12:30, 1-hour class
- Fridays: 13:00-14:30, 1.5-hour class
- Venue: Classroom 23
- Course Description
This course studies the most fundamental and unifying process in biology — one that explains the existence of ourselves and all other living things. We will approach the topic of evolution as a way of thinking and of seeing the world. Our readings have three purposes: (1) the Bergstrom & Dugatkin textbook serves to build a foundational knowledge of the subject, (2) the Dawkins book helps frame our way of thinking, and (3) the research papers give us insight into how evolutionary biologist advance the field. We will learn to answer a very long list of questions, such as the following:
- What is the unit of selection responsible for evolution?
- How do genetic traits change in frequency in populations?
- How can we measure evolution in populations?
- How can we infer evolutionary history of groups of organisms?
- How can we use inference of evolutionary history to answer questions about patterns of evolution and adaptation?
Main Texts
- Bergstrom, C.T. and L.A. Dugatkin. 2011. Evolution. 1st or 2nd Editions. W. W. Norton.
- Dawkins, R. 2016. The Selfish Gene, 4th edition (aka 40th Anniversary Edition). Oxford Landmark Science.
Primary Readings
All students will carefully read one paper a week from the primary literature. One student is designated to present this paper to the class, using visual aids, for a maximum of 15 minutes. By Sunday night, prior to the presentation, all remaining students are required to submit at least one question about the reading to the presenter, which helps the presenter focus on areas that others are having difficulty or that others are finding most interesting. The student presentation is followed by a class discussion.
Course Grading
A mid semester exam, worth about 30%, tests retention and comprehension of material covered in class, including papers, over the first half of the semester. A final exam is the same but worth about 40%, covering the entire year but with primary emphasis on the second half of the semester. A term paper worth about 20% will be due near the end of the semester. The sum of all points earned for questions submitted on the reading and participation is class is worth about 10%. These point allotments are subject to change, and their true weight ultimately depends on class variance.
Policy for Absences:
Students only receive credit for the question they submit if they attend the presentation, but they will be forgiven a total of three excused absences. Students who are unable to give their presentations because of an excused absence must reschedule for a different date; likewise for the mid semester and final exam.
Policy for Academic Integrity:
Students are welcome to form study groups or in other ways collaborate on reading assignments and when studying for exams. However, quizzes should be answered in private and questions or ideas about papers should be the student’s original thoughts.