CENTRE FOR LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL FOR UNDERGRADUATES
EVOLUTION AND SEXUAL SELECTION
Key Information
Module code
Taught during
Module workload
Module leader
Department
Credit
Level
Pre-requisites
Assessment
ISSU1004
Block One: Monday 4 July - Friday 22 July 2016
45 teaching hours plus approximately 100 study hours
Professor Kevin Fowler
Biosciences, Faculty of Life Sciences
0.5 UCL credits, 7.5 ECTS, 4 US
Level 1, first year Undergraduate
Mathematics to A-level standard of equivalent
Online multiple choice and short answer questions (20%)
Case study abstracts (30%)
Group poster and presentation of laboratory study (50%)
Module Overview
The course will introduce modern evolutionary theory and evaluate current research literature. There will be
a strong focus on sexual selection, mating systems and the roles of the quality and quantity of potential mates,
using examples from plant and animal systems.
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Week One - The evolutionary process: natural and sexual selection
Week Two - Sexual conflict, sexual antagonism, and socio-sexual environment
Week Three - Laboratory research project with insect model species
Module Aims
To provide an introduction to modern evolutionary theory and the forces of selection that drive evolutionary
change. This will equip students for more advanced studies of evolution and adaptation.
Teaching Methods
The module will be enquiry-based and research-oriented. Key concepts will be introduced via mini-lectures
and evaluated in small group sessions through discussion of case studies. In addition, you will be given the
opportunity to design and conduct a laboratory study with a model species and take part in an end of course
symposium.
The module will use a virtual learning environment (UCL moodle) to support the taught material and facilitate
assessment and feedback.
Please note that this module description is indicative and may be subject to change.
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, students will:
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Be able to identify key aspects of the process of evolution and describe how varying selective forces
drive evolutionary change
Be familiar with the concept of sexual selection and understand the potential impact of variation in
mate quality and quantity
Have learned how to dissect complex behaviours into their constituent elements and to devise testable
hypotheses about traits
Have demonstrated the ability to design and conduct an original laboratory study
Have practical experience of presenting research findings to an audience
Assessment Methods
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Two online multiple choice and short answer questions, 25-minutes each (20%)
Two 500-word case study abstracts (30%)
Group poster and presentation of laboratory study, 45-minutes per group (50%)
Key Texts
Evolution: Making Sense of Life by Zimmer & Emlen, David Roberts & Co, USA,
Evolution by Barton, Briggs, Eisen, Goldstein & Patel, CSHL Press, USA.
Students will be referred to current reviews, primary research papers, and the scientific press.
Please note that this module description is indicative and may be subject to change.
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