BL3316 – Co-evolution: living together

Ashley Pearson
Thursday 20 January 2022
image: Tropical Marine Reef System

BL3316 – Co-evolution: living together


This module considers coevolution: how organisms influence the evolution of other organisms around them. Some of the most exquisite and remarkable adaptations in the natural world are the products of coevolution, from the elaborate displays of birds-of-paradise to the sexual mimicry of orchids. We will consider coevolution within a species, focusing in particular on the interactions between males and females, and also coevolution between species, including animal-plant interactions, host-parasite interactions, and predator-prey interactions. Topics to be considered in detail will be sexual selection, pollination biology, herbivory, prey defences, the evolution of virulence, and the ecology of coevolution, focusing in particular on tritrophic interactions between animals, plants and fungi. Finally, we will consider broader themes in coevolution, including the geographic mosaic theory of coevolution and applied aspects of coevolution.*


Skills acquired in this module:
Related Programme(s):

Module Code:
BL3316

Semester:
2

Credits:
20

Module Organiser:
Dr David Shuker

Pre-requisite modules: BL2304 - Invertebrate Zoology, BL2307 - Ecology, and BL2310 - Comparative Physiology



MMS

Timetable:


[events_list category="BL3316"]

Reading List:


Reading list

Assessment:

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

MMS assessment details

The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
School of Biology Marking Criteria:
School handbook

Late submission of continuous assessment work:
All late submissions of coursework that do not require electronic submission should be made via the late submissions box in the Biology Study Space, St Andrews New Technology Centre Building (beside the Teaching Office)

Exam details:
School handbook
Exam timetable:
Timetable

Expected attendance:
School handbook

Good Academic Practice & Avoiding Academic Misconduct:
School handbook

University Student Handbook:
University student handbook

School and University Regulations:
School and University regulations in the School and University Undergraduate Handbook relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, good academic practice and Academic Alerts.

School handbook
University student handbook

Learning Outcomes:

Policies:

(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)

  • The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology Undergraduate Handbook (https://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/students/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/05/Undergraduate-Handbook-2021-22.docx)
  • All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
  • Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology Undergraduate Handbook and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
  • Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at:http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/