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

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Introduction to Population- and Evolutionary Biology

Einführung in die Populations- und Evolutionsbiologie

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Paul Schmid-Hempel, Dr. Katja Johanna Räsänen

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:23:54

Abstract

This course introduces and deepens questions regarding the functions, diversity and evolutionary dynamics of organisms. Parameters of populations dynmaics are also discussed. These topics are important for the understandig of a number of evolutionary problems in basic and applied sciences.

Objective

This course introduces and deepens questions regarding the functions, diversity and evolutionary dynamics of organisms. The topics covered range from basic mechanisms of origin and maintenance of variation, different forms of selection, quanatitive genetics, life history theory, origin of sociality to human evolution. Parameters of populations dynmaics are also discussed. These topics are important for the understandig of a number of evolutionary problems in basic and applied sciences.

Content

Populationdynamics, different forms of selection, life history theory, macroevolution, evolutionary transitions, inclusive fitness and the origin of sociality, human evolution.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Script, Part A, available from webpage: /www.eco.ethz.ch/education/lectures/701-0245-00

Literature

Freeman, Scott (2007) "Evolutionary Analysis " 4th edition. Prentice Hall, New Jersey. ISBN 0-13-239789-7

General Information

Language: German
Levels: BSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 90 minutes
Aids: Taschenrechner.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Einführung in die Populations- und Evolutionsbiologie	Wed 08:15-10:00 (HG E 5)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Human Movement Sciences Bachelor
- Advanced Semesters (Programme Regulations 2007)
  - Compensatory Courses
Biology Bachelor
- 2. Year, 3. Semester
  - Biological Direction (Recommended for the Master Majors: Ecology and Evolution, Neurosciences, Microbiology and Immunology, Cell Biology, Plant Biology, Systems Biology)
    - Compulsory Courses, Biological Direction, 3. Semester
Environmental Sciences Bachelor
- 3. Semester
  - Basic Courses II
    - Examination Blocks
      - Examination Block 1
Interdisciplinary Sciences Bachelor
- Physical-Chemical Direction
  - 3. Semester (Physical-Chemical Direction)
    - Electives (Further combinations of Compulsory elective subjects arising upon specific written request by the students and permission by the Director of studies.)
- Biochemical-Physical Direction
  - 3. Semester (Biochemical-Physical Direction)
    - Electives (Further combinations of Compulsory elective subjects arising upon specific written request by the students and permission by the Director of studies.)