Professor: Sean Rice. Office: Biology 413 B. Email: sean.h.rice@ttu.edu
Lectures: T, Th. 2:00 - 3:20, Electrical Engineering 101
Prerequisites: Introductory Biology (Biol 1403 & 1404 or equivalent).

Structure and goals of the course: Students will be introduced to some of the important events in the history of life, as illustrated by the fossil record, and then to the mechanics of evolution as illuminated by population and quantitative genetics. Using this foundation, we will cover speciation and phylogenetic analysis, and then molecular, morphological, and behavioral evolution. The course ends with a section on macroevolution and human evolution.

Expected learning outcomes: Students should come away with an understanding of: 1) How the various mechanisms of evolution work, 2) How these mechanisms explains the history of life, 3) How evolutionary biology is structured as a science, and 4) How evolutionary biology bears on current issues concerning conservation, medicine, and human society.

Methods of assessment: Learning will be assessed through: 1) In-class examinations, 2) homework assignments, and 3) participation and class discussion.

Sections: Discussion sections are an integral part of the course, and attendance is required. There may be separate assignments in sections.

Exams: There will be three midterms and a comprehensive final. The material on the exams will be drawn from the lectures, and will be composed of short answer and essay questions. There will be no makeup exams. If you miss an exam and have a good excuse (medical or family emergency), the appropriate part of the final will be weighted more heavily to compensate.

Homework: There will be occasional homework assignments. These will be due in class one week after they are assigned, unless otherwise stated. Students who are absent when homework is assigned are still responsible for doing the assignment and handing it in on time.

Grading: The final grade will be based on: Homework (100 pts total), 3 midterm exams (100 pts each), and the final (150 pts), as well as on attendance and participation in discussion sections. Each exam and homework set will get a numerical score, but no letter grades. Letter grades will be determined at the end of the semester when all scores are in.

Absences: Students who must miss some classes because of scheduled university events or religious observance must inform the instructor of this as early as possible, and definitely before the missed class. Students are responsible for all material presented in the class, whether or not they were present at the time. See also the sections on Exams and Homework.

Honesty: Any student caught cheating on an exam or other assignment will get a grade of 'F' for the course, in addition to whatever other penalties the University may impose.

Accommodations for disabilities: Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet the course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any necessary arrangements. Students should present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services during the instructor's office hours. Instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has been provided. For additional information, contact the Student Disability Services office at 335 West Hall or 806 742-2405.