Nov 14, 2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024
[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
OHIO BRICKS Arch: Natural World
General Education Code (students who entered prior to Fall 2021-22): 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
Course Transferability: OTM course: TMNS Natural Sciences
College Credit Plus: Level 1
Learning Outcomes:
- Students will be able to describe and explain the roles of early evolutionary biologists in the development of the modern principles of evolution.
- Students will be able to describe and explain the roles of extinction and speciation in the history of life on earth.
- Students will be able to describe and explain the process of natural selection in biological diversity.
- Students will be able to describe and explain the relevance of evolution in modern human society including medicine, agriculture, and climate change.
- Students will be able to interpret tabular and graphical data presentations and be able to explain how such data can be used to explain the role of evolution in living systems.
- Students will be able to describe and explain how evolution is a unifying principle in biology and how that guides and influences our understanding of life on earth.
- Students will be able to describe and explain how we use evolutionary biology to interpret observations of natural phenomena.
- Students will be able to describe and explain phylogenies and tree thinking and how that relates to the diversity of life.
- Students will be able to describe and explain the use of the scientific method and the differences between a scientific theory and a hypothesis.
- Students will be able to systematically and methodically analyze assumptions and carefully evaluate the evidence for evolution.
- Students will be able to state a specific position on evolutionary theory that recognizes the complexities, and acknowledges evolutionary constraints.
- Students will be able to state conclusions and related outcomes logically based on evidence.
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