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BL2303 Evolutionary Biology

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 8

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Lectures: 11.00-12.00pm Thursday and Friday (odd weeks), 11.00-12.00pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (even weeks) Practicals: 2.00-5.00pm Thursday or Friday (weeks 1,3,5,8&10)

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof M G Ritchie

Prof M G Ritchie
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Team taught

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

Evolution is a fundamentally important component of our understanding of all biological phenomena, from molecular to ecosystem scales. This module will give an overview of the history and major principles of modern evolutionary biology, aimed at contemporary biologists of all backgrounds.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS BL1101 AND PASS BL1102

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

2-Hour Written Examination = 50%, Existing Coursework = 50% (if Exam failed) Existing Examination = 50%, New Coursework = 50% (if Coursework failed) 2-hour Written Examination = 100% (if coursework and exam failed) 2-hour Written Examination = 100% (for Qualified Honours Entry)

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

Across the semester: 23 x 1h lectures, 3 x 1h tutorials, 4 x 3h practicals

Scheduled learning hours

39

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

111

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Develop an understanding of Evolution and its history
  • Understand Natural Selection and Genetic Drift
  • Develop knowledge of Molecular Evolution and mutation
  • Understand the evolution and consequences of sexual reproduction
  • Know the relationship between speciation and Biodiversity
  • Understand the basic principles of Phylogenetics

BL2303 Evolutionary Biology

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 8

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Lectures: 11.00-12.00pm Thursday and Friday (odd weeks), 11.00-12.00pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (even weeks) Practicals: 2.00-5.00pm Thursday or Friday (weeks 1,3,5,8&10)

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof M G Ritchie

Prof M G Ritchie
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Team taught

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

Evolution is a fundamentally important component of our understanding of all biological phenomena, from molecular to ecosystem scales. This module will give an overview of the history and major principles of modern evolutionary biology, aimed at contemporary biologists of all backgrounds.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS BL1101 AND PASS BL1102

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

2-Hour Written Examination = 50%, Existing Coursework = 50% (if Exam failed) Existing Examination = 50%, New Coursework = 50% (if Coursework failed) 2-hour Written Examination = 100% (if coursework and exam failed) 2-hour Written Examination = 100% (for Qualified Honours Entry)

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

3 x 1-hour lectures (x10 weeks), 1 x 3-hour practical (x4 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

42

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

148

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Define and explain Evolution and its history, Natural Selection and Genetic Drift. (Assessment: Lab report and exam)
  • Describe and evaluate the molecular basis of evolution, including the role mutations play. (Assessment: essay and/or exam)
  • Analyse and solve basic problems in population genetics. (Assessment: practical and exam)
  • Explain the evolution and consequences of sexual reproduction (Assessment: essay and/or exam)
  • Apply the principles of phylogenetics to interpret and evaluate evolutionary relationships. (Assessment: practical and/or exam)
  • Evaluate the impact of the study of evolution on contemporary societal issues, for example diversity, equality, biomedical issues and conservation. (Assessment: essay and/or exam)