BIOL 034. Evolution

The course may focus on how the genetic and phenotypic structure of a population changes in response to mutation, natural selection, migration, and genetic drift. Other topics, such as quantitative genetics, speciation, phylogeography, and adaptation, provide a broader view of evolutionary processes.

Course description for Fall 2025 and Fall 2026:

This course offers a critical analysis of contemporary concepts and history in biological evolution. We focus on mechanisms of short-term evolution, including genetic drift, gene flow, mutation, and selection, before exploring patterns of natural and sexual selection in more detail. Topics will also include longer term evolutionary processes including speciation and adaptive radiation. Finally, lectures will cover how evolutionary biology informs contemporary and important issues in modern science. Labs will explore how we study evolutionary processes, statistical analysis of natural selection and evolutionary data, developing evolutionary hypotheses and redictions, and scientific communication relating to evolutionary biology, and will include hands-on lab and field experiences exploring how we study evolutionary biology.
Prerequisite: BIOL 001 and BIOL 002 ; or by permission of the instructor.
Natural sciences and engineering practicum.
One laboratory period or field trip per week.
1 credit.
Eligible for ENVS, GLBL-Core
Fall 2025. Axelrod.
Fall 2026. Axelrod.
Catalog chapter: Biology
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/biology

Access the class schedule to search for sections.