BIOL 369 - Evolution: From DNA to Dinosaurs

Prerequisites, BIOL 204, BIOL 205. This course centers on the fundamental idea of evolution, which impacts fields as disparate as genetics to paleontology. The course will include a brief history of evolutionary thought, including Darwin’s idea of evolution by natural selection, and cover evolutionary timescales both small and large. Topics include population genetics, genomics, molecular evolution, evolutionary forces, formation of new species, evolutionary divergences in the history of life, and evidence of evolution, including patterns from DNA and the fossil record. Course will involve independent work with fossils and potential field trips to La Brea Tar Pits and other locations. (Offered fall semester, alternate years.) 3 credits