University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: Lectures: 11 am Mon, Tue and Wed; Practicals: to be arranged.

This module examines how evolutionary processes cause the extraordinary patterns of biological variation we observe on planet Earth, and the approaches that modern research programmes use to study this. Topics include: adaptation, molecular variation and phylogenetics; the evolution of sex; genetics of continuous traits; evolutionary developmental biology; population genetics; speciation, and evolutionary genomics. Practicals will involve computer simulations to investigate a range of evolutionary phenomena, plus use of molecular markers to examine population structure and speciation.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass BL2303 or pass BL2307

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 3 x 1-hour lectures (x 10 weeks) and 1 x 2-hour and 1 x 3-hour practical during the semester.

Scheduled learning hours: 35

Guided independent study hours: 165

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 50%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 50%

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor N W Bailey
Module teaching staff: Team taught