PROFESSOR: Dr. Rolf Mathewes (r_mathewes@sfu.ca)             Office: B 8279 (Phone: 291-4472)

PREREQUISITES: 75 semester hours of credit including BISC 101 and 102

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to provide an overview of modern evolutionary theory that ties together information from biology courses you have already taken, as well as introducing subject areas that may be unfamiliar such as cosmology, geology, and paleontology. Emphasis is placed on processes (i.e. variation, selection, extinction) as well as products of evolutionary change (adaptations, species, patterns in the history of life on earth). The main goal of this course is to create awareness of the importance of evolutionary theory to all aspects of the biological world, and to stimulate critical thinking about the controversies in this dynamic field.

REQUIRED TEXT: Price, Peter. P. 1996. Biological Evolution. Harcourt Brace.

REQUIRED SYLLABUS: A courseware package of selected readings will be available for sale in the SFU Bookstore.  Note:  There is a materials fee of $18.50 to cover the handout costs.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

The lectures are organized around chapters in the textbook by Price, although the order of presentation will vary somewhat. An outline of assigned textbook readings and supplementary readings from the syllabus will be provided during the first week of classes. Attendance at lectures is expected, and examinations will be based on a combination of lecture material and assigned readings.

Weekly tutorials are provided for your benefit. The provide an opportunity to:

(1) ask questions of the TA's to clarify lecture or reading materials ,
(2) discuss controversial issues that may arise, and
(3) prepare for examinations and review results.

GRADING:

Midterm Exam I - (25%)
Midterm Exam II - (25%)
Final Exam (3hrs) - (50%) - Covers the whole course.