Biology: Ecology and Evolutionary

BIOE 157A Evolution Field Class in Southern Africa

Covers the fundamentals of evolution, including macro-evolution (the science of the evolution of organisms) and micro-evolution (the science of the evolution of populations, within a species). Field observations and field work is an integral part of the class, where demonstrations and examples are shown directly in the field. Students think, write, and report, on projects that will be elaborated and discussed with peers and faculty. Course is delivered in the field, and in person, visiting sites of archaeological importance pertinent to human evolution (caves of Sterkfontein, where hominid remains have been discovered), and national parks (Kruger National Park, Malawi National Park) where we will observe animal interactions, sexual selection, and kin selection. Students write daily journals with observations and reports.

Requirements

Prerequisite(s): equivalent of UCSC's BIOL 20A, BIOE 20B, and BIOE 20C; satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements.

Credits

5

Instructor

Giacomo Bernardi