Northeastern State University, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Biology 4533 - Section 1300 - Principles of Evolutionary Biology

Spring 2004 - Wed 12-2:40; C221

Dr. James K. Schooley

COURSE OBJECTIVES: To introduce students to the processes which lead to the evolution of natural systems and a review of current ideas on the principles governing biological evolution.

PREREQUISITES: Ten hours of biological sciences.

FORMAT: Discussion; lecture, student lead activities/presentations, modeling/simulations. Students will be expected to put in significant but appropriate amounts of non-class time to prepare presentations and to complete models and simulations. Each class meeting is the equivalent of one full week of course material, attendance and participation are critical and required. A typical meeting will begin with an activity or presentation lead by a group of students. After a short break we will end with a lecture presenting an overview of the next assignment/reading.

OFFICE HOURS: Hours open for appointments in Tahlequah are Tues 9-11; 4-5 and Thur 9-11; 1-4 in Broken Arrow are Wed 9-11. Appointments can be made for times other than these. My office in Tahlequah is Science 309 and in BA is C127, my e-mail schooley@cherokee.nsuok.edu and my extension 3825. You may also wish to leave messages with the Natural Sciences Office in Science 221 and extension 3800.

TEXTS:

Freeman, Scott and Herron Jon C, 2004. Evolutionary Analysis, 3^rd Ed. Pearson Education Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. ISBN 0-13-101859-0

Student Companion Website www.prenhall.com/freeman/evolution

GRADING:

Mid Term Exams 55% - covering lectures, readings and activities (simulations, literature reviews, case studies) format may include multiple choice, problem solving, short answer, data analysis, and essay questions. (Exam 1 10%, Exams 2,3,4 15%)

Final Comprehensive Exam 20% - covering all lectures, readings and activities (simulations, literature reviews, case studies) format may include multiple choice, problem solving, short answer, data analysis, and essay questions

Leading Activities 15% - Oral (lecture & discussion) and written presentations to the class on assigned activities (simulations, literature reviews, case studies)

Participation in Class Discussions and Activities 10% - A subjective evaluation of a student's preparation for and participation in class activities and discussions.