Evolutionary Biology

Examines patterns and processes by which evolution occurs and shapes life forms.

Evolution is essential to appreciate the diversity of life on earth, from gigantic redwood trees to tiny microbes, to understand the social behaviour of insects and humans, and to understand disease. Starting from the basic tenets of evolution, this course will examine how these tenets give insight to a variety of biological phenomena at different scales. In addition to the explanatory potential of evolution, students will explore the mechanisms by which evolutionary change happens, and how evolutionary relationships are inferred using modern tools.