BIOL3403 - Lindsey Wilson College



BIOL3403 Theory of Natural Selection LWC Spr2014 Stewart

The course follows the “Journey of the Beagle” and studies the writings of Ernst Mayr as a tool for understanding the fundamental philosophical reasoning supporting Darwin’s discovery. It takes students from the time of Darwin and finishes with modern discoveries by this now 150 year-old research program. It employs recitation and lecture formats.

Instructor: E. J. Stewart, Ph.D. Professor of Biology, LWC

Office: Fugitte Bldg., room 225

Phone: 8090

E-mail: stewarte@lindsey.edu

Office Hours: Posted

Course Description. A study of the works of Ernst Mayer and other sources as a tools for understanding the fundamental philosophical reasoning supporting Darwin’s discovery. Takes the student from the time of Darwin and finishes with modern discoveries by this know 150-year-old research program. Employs recitation and lecture format. Prerequisite: junior or seniors of any discipline.

Text Resources:

Engle, Leonard. 1962. “The Voyage of the Beagle.” Doubleday & Company, Inc. Garden City, NY 524pp.

Miller, Jonathan and Van loon, Borin. 1982. “Darwin for Beginners.” Pantheon Books, NY. 176pp.

Mayr, Ernst. 1991. “One Long Argument.” Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA. 195pp.

Signature assignment: As part of the Biology Programs assessment you will take part in two assignments that judge your analysis and information integration abilities. This is not graded and is only used for internal program use. One assignment/tool will determine your ability to understand the world zeitgeist before and after Darwin. Said another way it analyzes the impact Darwin has on western thinking. Secondly, there are still societies that employ non-Darwinian rationale to their scientific efforts, especially in agriculture. I will present you with an example and ask that you describe how the integration of non-Darwinian has harmed or at least hindered the development of those societies.

Student Learning Outcomes (Institutional)

Connections to experience

Connections to discipline

Transfer: adapt and apply theories and methods

Integrated Communication

Student Learning Outcomes (Departmental)

Mastery of the core

Demonstration of basic laboratory skills and field techniques

Application of the scientific philosophy

Communication in an acceptable scientific manner

Grading Policy:

Student scoring will come from 1) 4 exams employing essay, short answer, and multiple choice questions, 2) a final review of “On the Origin of Species” and 3) Engle’s Review 4) Review of “on the Origin of Species, and completion to Program SLO’s. Each of the above is worth of 100 points for a total course score of 700. Grades will be assigned based on the chart below.

700-630 = A 629-560 = B 559-490 = C 489-420 = D ................
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