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School of Life Sciences

Adv Topics in Evolutionary Biology (M) (839C1)

Advanced Topics in Evolutionary Biology (Masters)

Module 839C1

Module details for 2017/18.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)

Module Outline

Students will work in groups on advanced research-led topics in evolutionary biology. Topics may include symbiosis, sex and variation, but will vary from year to year. They will be selected according to staff interests, recent developments in the field, and the construction of a coherent package that covers a range of approaches in evolutionary biology, from molecular to ecological. Each topic will be introduced by a 'scene setting lecture' by a member of staff. Students will then be given a set of references to relevant papers in the library. Groups will present their reports on the topics, via written material in Study Direct, seminars, reviews and news and view articles. Students who successfully complete the module will understand recent theoretical and empirical developments in several areas of current research in evolutionary biology, critically read the primary literature in evolutionary biology, synthesise information from the primary literature and present their findings in written analyses and oral presentations.

Module learning outcomes

Demonstrate a systematic knowledge and understanding of recent theoretical and empirical developments at the forefront of the field of evolutionary biology

Critically evaluate research findings and methodologies in evolutionary biology, synthesizing literature to build coherent arguments and conclusions, and propose new hypotheses

Demonstrate the ability to independently manage their own learning in the field of evolutionary biology and communicate their findings clearly, concisely and effectively

Demonstrate systematic understanding and detailed knowledge of the structure and physiology of animals

TypeTimingWeighting
Coursework100.00%
Coursework components. Weighted as shown below.
ReportT2 Week 5 25.00%
PresentationT2 Week 9 (13 minutes)30.00%
ReportT2 Week 10 45.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Spring SemesterSeminar2 hours11110002000
Spring SemesterLecture1 hour11100000000
Spring SemesterSeminar1 hour00000010000

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Prof Adam Eyre-Walker

Assess convenor, Convenor
/profiles/34777

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