Evolutionary Developmental Biology

EEB 333

Fall 2007

 
Description:  This is an advanced course that explores the interface between evolutionary biology and developmental biology.  In addition to considering how developmental pathways evolve, and the developmental basis of phenotypic evolution, we will ask what novel insights emerge from a synthesis of these fields.  Major topics to be considered include: developmental constraints, homology, plasticity, novelty and evolvability.
 
Meeting time:  Tu, Th 8:00-9:15 am in Atwater A001
 
Web site:  http://www.eeb.uconn.edu/courses/evodevo/
 
The schedule of lecture topics and readings is available here.

Carl has compiled an extensive list of books about evo-devo [pdf].
 

Instructors
Elizabeth Jockusch
Carl Schlichting
Office:
BioPharm 305B
TLS366
Phone:
486-4452
486-4056
E-mail:
Office hours:
TBA
TBA


Format:
This course has a mixed lecture/discussion format.  In general, Tuesdays will be used for lectures that provide an overview and background information.  Thursdays will be dedicated to student-led discussion based on reading from the literature.
 

Expectations & Grading:  We expect everyone to participate actively in the class.  In order to help prepare for discussions, you should write a brief (<1 page) reaction piece to each set of readings, highlighting your thoughts about the readings, connections between them or questions raised by them.  This will be handed in each week.  Responsibility for leading the discussions will rotate.
 

You are required to complete an independent project on a topic of your choice.  Appropriate topics will integrate diverse data types or theoretical models and empirical information, and allow you to explore a particular example or concept in greater depth.  You should discuss your choice of topics with one of us no later than Oct. 30. The last week of class will be devoted to presentations and discussions based on these projects.  You will be in charge of assigning a paper relevant to your presentation.
 

There will be one take-home exam due the day of the Final Exam (Tuesday Dec. 11). It will consist of one or several essay questions that will ask you to integrate the knowledge that you have acquired during the course.
 

Final course grades will be based on discussion contributions (50%, including participation, leading discussion, and reaction pieces), individual projects (25%, based on the presentation) and the final exam (25%).