BI300 Evolution

for F1B 2006

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BI 300 Evolution


F1B 2006 BL


Strunk, Maya


Senior Instructor


B.S. Biology New Mexico State University
M.S. Cell & Developmental Biology New Mexico State University




preferred e-mail

Semester Dates

August 1-September 14

Class Days


Class Time


Credit Hours


An Introduction to Biological Evolution Kardong, Kenneth V. ISBN:  0-07-238579-0

Additional Resources:


Course Description:
A study of the historical development of the concept of natural selection and modern concepts of evolution. 3:0:3

Educational Philosophy:
I encourage students to read scientific literature on a regular basis.  This will provide them a better understanding of the material presented in lectures and examinations.

Learning Outcomes:
  Core Learning Outcomes

  1. Define science, its applications, its limitations, and its general methodology
  2. Relate the historical context of modern evolutionary theory
  3. Interpret the contributions of Charles Darwin and other evolutionary biologist to evolutionary theory
  4. Relate the scientific basis of evolution, its mechanisms, and related topics including evidence that supports the theory of evolution
  5. Appraise the implications of evolutionary theory on human's interactions with the environment and other living organisms
  6. Illustrate the general timeline of evolution on earth including the evolution of humans

Core Assessment:

Class Assessment:
2 Exams, multiple choice and essay in format. Individual Student presentations, visual aide required.  In addition, a written essay will also accompany the presentation, approximately 8-10 pages in length.

2 exams each worth 100 points (25% each) Student Presentations (25%) and written component worth 100 points (25%). 100-90:  A 89-80:  B 79-70:  C 69-60:  D 59 and below:  F

Late Submission of Course Materials:
Students arriving late or are absent on examination days will be subject to a make-up exam, essay in format.

Classroom Rules of Conduct:
Cell phones must be turned off or placed in a silent mode during lectures.

Course Topic/Dates/Assignments:

Aug. 1: Overview of syllabus, course expectations. Time Magazine article on Intelligent Design/discussion.

Aug. 3: Introduction to the Scientific Method & Evolution of Evolution, Darwin, Lamarck, Linnaues, Wallace. Chapter 1

Aug. 8: Darwin's Dangerous Idea. Movie

Aug. 10: Exam 1. Chapter 1 & Movie

Aug 15 Emergence of life. DNA/RNA (mutations, replication) Chapter 4

Aug. 17: Gregor Mendel's genetics and contribution to evolution.

Aug. 22: Evidence of Evolution: The Fossil Record, Comparative Anatomy, Comparative Embryology, Distributional evidence. The course of Evolution. Chapter 6

Aug. 24: Human evolution. Human's role in the rate of evolutionary change. Chapter 32

Aug. 29: Walking with Cavemen. Movie

Aug. 31: Evolution of the Earth.

Sept. 5: Exam 2. Chapter's 4,6,32 & Movie

Sept. 7: Student Presentations.

Sept. 12: Student Presentations.

Sept. 14: Student Presentations/Final grades distributed.

Academic Honesty:


Attendance Policy:


Park University 2006-2007 Undergraduate Catalog Page 89-90

Disability Guidelines:



Last Updated:7/17/2006 8:44:57 AM