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701-0245-00L 2 Credits BSC D-USYS , D-CHAB , D-HEST
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Evolutionary Analysis

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Gregory Velicer, Dr. Sebastien Wielgoss
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:42

Abstract

This course introduces important questions about the evolutionary processes involved in the generation and maintenance of biological diversity across all domains of life and how evolutionary science investigates these questions.

Objective

Students will learn about several major different approaches to investigating evolutionary questions and how these approaches are applied to a wide variety of topics. Topics covered include different forms of selection, phylogenetic analysis, population genetics, life history theory, the evolution of sex, social evolution and human evolution. These topics are important for the understanding of a number of evolutionary problems in the basic and applied sciences.

Content

Topics likely to be covered in this course include research methods in evolutionary biology, adaptation, evolution of sex, evolutionary transitions, human evolution, infectious disease evolution, life history evolution, macroevolution, mechanisms of evolution, phylogenetic analysis, population dynamics, population genetics, social evolution, speciation and types of selection.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture slides, Papers, and Online Tools

Literature

Main Textbook: Evolutionary Analysis Scott Freeman and Jon Herron 5th Edition, English. Minor resource: Evolutionary Parasitology Paul Schmid-Hempel 2nd edition, English.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 90 minutes
Aids
For calculations during the digital exam:no private calculators allowed, we provide a calculator on the PC (Winaero, http://bit.ly/3zuZPHY).For translations:All questions are offered in English with a German translation.An eletronic translation tool is also built-in.
Digital
The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Evolutionary Analysis
  • Thu 10:15-12:00 (NO C 60)
2 h weekly

Offered In