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ZOOL30030

Academic Year 2025/2026

Evolutionary Biology (ZOOL30030)

Subject:
Zoology
College:
Science
School:
Biology & Environment Science
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Craig Wilding
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Evolution is the fundamental process that underlies all biological systems. Thus, a solid understanding of both microevolutionary and macroevolutionary change is essential for any practicing biologist. This topic has long captured public interest — often sparking debate and controversy throughout history.
This module offers a comprehensive introduction to evolutionary biology, exploring its patterns, processes, and scientific context through real-world research examples drawn from evolutionary biology and ecology, palaeontology and systematics. It also traces the historical development of evolutionary theory, from Lamarck, through Darwin to Dawkins.
Because evolution occurs only as a result of genetic change, understanding gene flow within, and the genetic structure between, populations is central to the study of evolutionary mechanisms. The module examines how selection, mutation, and population size influence genetic structure, as well as how these forces shape evolutionary outcomes.
Key concepts covered include morphological selection and adaptation, homology and homoplasy, cladistics and phenetics, and phylogenetic reconstruction among higher taxa. We also explore tree shape and the role of developmental biology in deepening our understanding of evolutionary processes.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
- Appreciate the centrality of evolution to all biology;
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key processes and mechanisms of micro and macroevolution;
- Explain the principles of classification and phylogeny;
- Grasp the historical context of evolutionary theory;
- Explain how modern methods are used to reconstruct phylogenetic trees;
- Appreciate the importance of population genetic structure in evolutionary processes;
- Interpret the effect of population size, mutation, selection, and migration on population allele and genotype frequencies;
- Summarise the concept of the neutral and nearly-neutral theory of molecular evolution and explain how it relates to macroevolutionary processes;
- Explain to the lay-person key concepts in evolutionary biology.

Indicative Module Content:

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Seminar (or Webinar)

12
Autonomous Student Learning

91
Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
lectures;
active/task-based learning;
critical writing.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

GENE 20020


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): 1 main essay (4 parts) submitted Sunday 23rd Nov (end of week 11) Week 11 Graded No
40
 No
Exam (In-person): Final 2hr exam End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Graded No
40
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: 11 online quizes to be completed by the Friday for weeks 2-12 (Achieve homework) Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The students will receive online feedback for each MCQ question. Graded essay questions will be returned to the students

Evolution, Making Sense of Life
Carl Zimmer & Douglas J. Emlen
MacMillian

Name Role
Dr John Finarelli Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Graham Hughes Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Darrin Hulsey Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Darrin Hulsey Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Julia Jones Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Craig Wilding Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Jonathan Yearsley Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Bawan Amin Tutor
Mr Srivats Rajagopal Chari Tutor
Ms Kimberly Conteddu Tutor
Dr Zixia Huang Tutor
Ms Jodie Murphy Tutor
Dr Megan Power Tutor
Miss Sarahjane Power Tutor
Mr Matthew Quinn Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: Weeks 2-12 Tues 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: Weeks 2-12 Wed 10:00 - 10:50
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