Course Description
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Course Name
Evolutionary Biology
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Host University
University College Dublin
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Location
Dublin, Ireland
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Area of Study
Biology, Wildlife Biology
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Language Level
Taught In English
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Course Level Recommendations
Upper
ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.
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ECTS Credits
5 -
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits2.5 - 3
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Recommended U.S. Quarter Units3.75 - 4.5
Hours & Credits
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Overview
Evolution is the fundamental process that underlies all biological systems. Understanding the processes of
micro and macroevolutionary change is essential to any working biologist, and have generated great popular
interest and controversy over the centuries. This module will provide an introduction to evolutionary biology,
patterns, processes and scientific background by use of real research examples (evolutionary ecology,
palaeontology, systematics). A context to the study of evolution, from Darwin to Dawkins is also presented.
Since evolution occurs only as a result of genetic change, the understanding of gene flow in populations is
also central to the evolutionary process. The effect of selection, mutation and population size on population
genetic structure will be examined. Morphological selection and adaptation, homology and homoplasy, cladistics
and phenetics, phylogeny reconstruction amongst higher taxa, tree shape and the influence of developmental
biology on our understanding of evolutionary mechanisms are also covered in this module.
Course Disclaimer
Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.
ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits are converted to semester credits/quarter units differently among U.S. universities. Students should confirm the conversion scale used at their home university when determining credit transfer.
Please reference fall and spring course lists as not all courses are taught during both semesters.
Please note that some courses with locals have recommended prerequisite courses. It is the student's responsibility to consult any recommended prerequisites prior to enrolling in their course.