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BIOLOGY 522

COMMUNICATING EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

2-3 credits.

Exposure to diverse topics in contemporary evolutionary biology and development of critical thinking and communication skills. Most weeks guest lecturers present their own primary research on a specialized topic in evolutionary biology. Seminars include perspectives from genetics, ecology, geoscience, zoology, botany, microbiology, systematics, molecular biology, and integrative research. Some weeks feature special topics and discussions on pedagogical, legal, outreach, or other issues in evolutionary biology. Includes thinking critically about methodology, experimental design and interpretation, and how conclusions are reached in evolutionary biology by reading primary and secondary literature, attending seminars, discussing topics with speakers and other students, and preparing a written report. The 3-credit version of the course delves deeper into communication of evolutionary biology to researchers, undergraduates, K-12 students, and the general public.

Prerequisites & course information

Requisites: GENETICS 466 , 468 , ZOOLOGY/ANTHRO/BOTANY 410 , or BIOCORE 381 , or concurrent enrollment Course Designation: Core GenEd - Natural Science & Wellness Breadth - Biological Science Level - Advanced L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Fall 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Demonstrate the ability to critically read and comprehend primary scientific literature from diverse areas of evolutionary biology. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Comprehend and critically evaluate oral research presentations in the field of evolutionary biology. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Participate effectively in discussions of scientific research in the field of evolutionary biology. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Write a clear and concise review of a selected topic in evolutionary biology and a critique of a research seminar in that area. Audience: Undergraduate 5. Synthesize and apply knowledge from other didactic courses and personal experiences in discussions of scientific research. Audience: Undergraduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Demonstrate the ability to critically read and comprehend primary scientific literature from diverse areas of evolutionary biology. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Comprehend and critically evaluate oral research presentations in the field of evolutionary biology. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Participate effectively in discussions of scientific research in the field of evolutionary biology. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Write a clear and concise review of a selected topic in evolutionary biology and a critique of a research seminar in that area. Audience: Undergraduate 5. Synthesize and apply knowledge from other didactic courses and personal experiences in discussions of scientific research. Audience: Undergraduate

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