Foundations of Evolution (P00210)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : PPL-P-FEVLING

This course is an interdisciplinary introduction to the central ideas of evolutionary biology, drawing on teaching from across the University. It is taught in 4 main sections:

1. The history and practice of evolutionary biology.
2. The philosophy of biology.
3. Introduction to game theory.
4. Interdisciplinary implications of evolutionary theory.

This course is intended to be accessible and relevant to students whether or not they have a background in evolutionary biology. As well as providing a primer for the core concepts of modern evolutionary theory and practice, the course situates evolutionary biology in a wider context, covering the historical development of evolutionary theory, its philosophical ramifications and its impact on other disciplines.

Venue: B9 Adam Ferguson Building

Entry Requirements

? Costs : None

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Language Sciences, (School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, Schedule I)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 9 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
24/09/2007	16:00	18:00			B9, Adam Ferguson Building

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	16:10	18:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of the course, students will have an understanding of:
- the intellectual history of evolutionary biology;
- what evolutionary theory aims to explain;
- the mechanisms that give rise to adaptation;
- the biological evidence for evolutionary processes;
- the major evolutionary transitions in the history of life on earth;
- the key ideas in the philosophy of biology; and
- how evolutionary biology impacts on the cognitive and social sciences.
Students will be able to:
- critically evaluate the application of evolutionary thinking in biology and other disciplines; and
- integrate formal models and philosophical arguments to develop scientific explanations.