ENTOM 2300

Biology of Sex: Diversity and Evolution

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

This course examines the origin, molecular mechanisms, and ultimate consequences of sex through the lens of evolutionary biology. We will focus on demystifying the questions about sex that evolutionary biologists seek to answer, why these questions matter, and what specific insights can be gained from them. Each week, we will broach a different question or set of related questions, and combine an introductory lecture with a discussion based on specific empirical findings. The course will emphasize critical thinking and engagement with the scientific literature while also developing a foundational knowledge of the processes that drive evolution in relation to sex.

Distribution Requirements (BSC-AG)

Last 4 Terms Offered (None)

Learning Outcomes

• Describe key biological concepts and entities related to the evolution of sexual reproduction, sex determination mechanisms, sexual selection, genomic conflicts of interest, and evolutionary diversification.
• Identify diverse outcomes and processes in the evolution of sex, sex determination mechanisms, mating systems, and sex-related phenotypes.
• Apply evolutionary thinking to observations of behavior, morphology, development, and molecular genetics in relation to sex.
• Evaluate challenges in studying and communicating the biology of sex due to conscious and unconscious biases.
• Perform self-directed learning in biology by identifying, synthesizing, and discussing scientific literature related to the biology of sex.

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