Modern topics in Evolutionary Biology

What it is about

You will learn central current questions of evolutionary biology: cooperation, host–parasite coevolution, life history and aging, and the role of epigenetics. In the end you can explain the concepts, build and simulate simple mathematical models in R, and classify the significance of these processes for ecology, agriculture, and medicine.

What you will be able to do

• Understanding of cooperation and its evolutionary mechanisms
• Knowledge of principles of host–parasite interaction and epidemiology
• Competence in building simple mathematical models in R and their simulation
• Understanding the evolution of life-history traits such as dormancy and aging
• Understanding molecular foundations of epigenetics and their evolutionary significance
• Analytical reading and critical discussion of current empirical studies
• Ability to write a structured scientific essay argumentation

What the module consists of

• Vorlesung/ÜbungIntroduction to concepts and mathematical models; subsequently implementing and simulating in R, joint evaluation and discussion
• SeminarGroup presentation and critical analysis of an empirical research article, discussion in plenary

Teaching method

• Vorlesung kombiniert mit ÜbungenModels are introduced and directly implemented in R, so that you immediately understand their behavior through simulations
• Gruppenseminar mit PräsentationDeepening through critical analysis of current studies and training of presentation and discussion skills
• Essay‑TrainingSystematic learning of the structure and argumentation for scientific essays