Systematics and Evolutionary Analysis

Catalog description

This course explores the analytical techniques used by modern evolutionary biologists to investigate both quantitative and qualitative patterns in nature. Students practice these techniques in a laboratory that is primarily computer-based, but also includes several weeks of paleontological field work. Topics covered include: (1) the philosophy and algorithms of phylogenetic systematics; (2) microevolutionary processes, and; (3) concepts relevant to macroevolution including speciation, extinction, and the fossil record. Components: Laboratory, Class Prereqs/Coreqs: C: BIOLOGY 3330 and BIOLOGY 3450 or consent of instructor. Typically Offered: Spring - even year