Nov 14, 2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2019-20
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2019-20
[Archived Catalog]
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BIOS 2500 - Evolution: the history of life on earth
From DNA to fossils billions of years old, the evidence for evolution is all around us. This course is an introduction to the science of evolutionary biology for those not majoring in the life sciences. Topics covered include the mechanisms of evolution, such as natural selection, adaptation, and the formation of species; the patterns of evolution, such as mass extinction and the chronicle of life on earth; and applications of evolutionary principles to human society, such as medicine, agriculture, and biodiversity conservation. The overriding aim of the course is to educate students on evolutionary biology as a science.
Requisites: WARNING: No credit for this course if taken after the following: BIOS 3300
Credit Hours: 3
General Education Code: 2NS
Repeat/Retake Information: May be retaken two times excluding withdrawals, but only last course taken counts.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 3.0 lecture
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Learning Outcomes:
- Appreciate the roles of early evolutionary biologists in the development of the modern principles of evolution.
- Appreciate the roles of extinction and speciation in the history of life on earth.
- Develop an understanding of the process of natural selection in biological diversity.
- Develop an understanding of the relevance of evolution in modern human society including medicine, agriculture, and climate change.
- Interpretation of tabular and graphical data presentations and how data can be used to understand the role of evolution in living systems.
- Understand how evolution is a unifying principle in biology and how that guides and influences our understanding of life on earth.
- Understand how we use evolutionary biology to interpret observations of natural phenomena.
- Understand phylogenies and tree thinking and how that relates to the diversity of life.
- Understand the use of the scientific method and the differences between a scientific theory and a hypothesis.
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