BIOL 4550 - History of Evolutionary Thought

(4) Credit Hours

A study of the historical and scientific origin of the Theory of Evolution and Darwin’s Theory of Natural Selection, along with their important conceptual precursors, including the significance of fossils, the reality of Extinction, and the discovery of “Deep Time,” through an analysis of historical and scientific texts. Additional topics to be considered will include the nature of Science, Human Evolution and the modern Creationism/Evolution controversy. The course includes a required lab, with several required local field tips and hands-on exercises in paleontology, radiometric dating, and population genetics. Course will satisfy Advanced Ecology & Evolution category requirement for Biology majors. Prerequisites: Completion of BIOL 3350 and 1130 and 3.25 GPA or better in major, or UHON standing, or department head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.