BIOEE 1180

Evolution

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

Evolution is the central unifying concept in biology. This course examines evolution as a science and places it in an historical context. Classes focus on descent with modification, natural selection, evolutionary genetics, the history of the earth, the information content of the fossil record, and diversification processes. The science of evolutionary biology is presented in the context of a broader history of ideas in science. The course also explores the importance of evolutionary thinking in the 21st century, including antibiotic and pesticide resistance, personalized genomics, human evolution, and evolutionary ecology. Courses of Study: Intended for students with no background in college biology.

Enrollment Priority Primarily for: students with no background in college biology.

Distribution Requirements (BIO-AG, BSC-AG, OPHLS-AG), (BIO-AS), (SCT-IL)

Exploratory Studies (EUAREA)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2026SP, 2025SU, 2024SU, 2023SU

Learning Outcomes

• Provide examples of the kinds of questions evolutionary biologists ask, and the types of tools and evidence they use to answer them.
• Recognize and correct common misunderstandings about evolution.
• Differentiate between the four main mechanisms of evolution (mutation, natural selection, migration, genetic drift).
• Communicate about evolutionary principles to classmates and the general public.
• Describe examples of evolution occurring in the modern day.
• Articulate specific applications of evolutionary biology in medicine and agriculture.

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