Course Syllabus

Hard copy of Course Syllabus:  Download Syllabus

Course Lecture Schedule: Click here

Course web site: Use your browser to go to http://jnason.eeob.iastate.edu and then follow the links to Courses and then Evolution.

Lecture notes:  Lecture notes will be available in PDF format on line and can be downloaded from the course web site.

Prerequisites:  Genetics and statistics are strongly recommended.

Course description:  This course introduces the modern theory of evolution. This theory emerged in the 1930s and 1940s as a synthesis of genetic knowledge on the basis of inheritance and the Darwinian concept of natural selection. Discussion of the theory of evolution will be partitioned into five major topics:

1. Darwinism and evolutionary thought
2. Mechanism of evolutionary change
3. Adaptation
4. Speciation and the history of life
5. Molecular evolution
   

The modern paradigm of evolution is often called the synthetic theory because it integrates the contributions of so many fields of knowledge. Accordingly, the ultimate objective of the course will be to bring together prevailing ideas on evolution theory to help you create an informed framework for thought about evolutionary issues in all fields of biological science.

Grading breakdown:
    Announced Quizes/Homework           111 pts
    Extra Credit Quizes                             ~25 pts
    Exam 1                                               100 pts
    Exam 2                                               100 pts
    Exam 3                                               100 pts
    Final exam                                          150 pts
    Total                                                 ~581 pts

Exams:  Makeup exams will not be given except on documentation of a valid reason for missing an examination.  Makeup exams may not follow the format of regularly scheduled exams. If you can forsee a conflict in exam times, consult with the instructor ahead of time as to how to make up examinations.

Attendance in lecture:  Although attendance is not mandatory, you should contact your instructor in a timely manner if you will be unable to attend an exam or a number of lectures and need to make them up. Be prepared to provide a valid, documented excuse.

Conduct in class:  In short, do not be disrespectful to your instructor or to your fellow students.

Policies:  Grades are reduced for academic misconduct, including plagiarism from published sources. The usual policy is to deny credit for the grading exercise in question for the first offense. Second offenses result in a grade of F for the course. Disruption of the course, theft of course materials, or interference of the course and the participation of others in it will result in a grade of F for the first offense. Students who fail the course for academic misconduct are barred from further course activities in any capacity. All incidents of academic misconduct are reported to the Office of Academic Affairs, and records of the incidents are inserted into the file(s) of the student(s) in question.

Special accommodations:  Iowa State University complies with the American with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Any student who may require an accommodation under such provisions should contact the instructor as soon as possible and no later than the end of the first week of class, or as soon as you become aware, as no retroactive accommodations will be provided in this class. Accommodations, such as extra time on an exam, require a Student Academic Accommodation Request (SAAR) form from the Disability Resources (DR) Office (room 1076, Student Services Building; phone 515-294-7220) documenting the need for the accommodation.