Evolution
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| 5 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| Examination | No residential school |
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Summary
This wide-ranging course explains the key concepts of evolutionary science and investigates how these account for the characteristics of living organisms and the history of life on Earth. Using information from the living world and from fossil records, you'll learn how natural selection and other evolutionary processes produce changes in genes and populations over different timescales; how new species originate; and how large-scale evolutionary patterns are generated. Other topics include the reconstruction of evolutionary relationships and the ways in which humans influence the evolution of other species.
Course content
This course gives a broad treatment of both the biological and the palaeontological aspects of evolution, and so will be particularly rewarding to anyone who has an interest in life, earth or environmental sciences.
In particular, the course demonstrates how small genetic changes within populations (microevolution) can occur both through natural selection (including sexual selection) and as a consequence of other effects, and how such processes can lead to adaptive and other differences between populations. It considers how new species can arise; how evolutionary relationships are reconstructed; and how evolutionary changes in the genetic controls on development – and variation in the rates of speciation and of extinction – can lead to large-scale evolutionary patterns (macroevolution). It also looks at how humans have been (and are) affecting the evolution both of themselves and other contemporary organisms.
The course is based on the book Evolution by Douglas J. Futuyma (Sinauer, 2005), which is provided. A full colour Companion Text guides the student through the course books. It provides links to the additional components, including exercises and assignments designed to develop and test mastery of the learning outcomes of the course. Computer-based work involves interactive learning packages, video presentations and analytical software on DVD. You’ll also have access to a course website and online course forum. For practical investigations, you’ll use a home kit of replica fossil specimens, supported by a Practical Booklet. The outcomes of these investigations are assessed in the tutor-marked assignments. Other supporting material includes an Introduction and Guide to the course (with included Glossary), and a Specimen Examination Paper.
Following introductions to the scientific basis of evolutionary theory and the key phenomena of adaptation and organised biological diversity, the methods for reconstructing evolutionary relationships are addressed with the aid of an interactive learning package and tree-building software. Patterns of evolution, as inferred from comparative studies, the fossil record, and the distributions of organisms are considered next. Supporting material includes a multimedia case study on the evolution of plumage in dinosaurs and birds (which is revisited in later parts of the course). There is also an exercise based on a set of plaster replicas of fossil shells supplied in the Home Kit.
The focus then moves on to the sources of genetic variation, how it affects the growth and form of organisms, and the investigation of genetic diversity within populations, all of which prepares you for the project work. Sexual selection and the issues of conflict and cooperation within species are explored next.
Then follow explorations of species concepts, how new species evolve, and life history evolution and its implications for the diversity of reproductive modes. These topics are supported by multimedia activities. The rapidly expanding field of developmental evolution is also considered, with a return to the plumage case study by way of illustration.
Finally, after considering some general broad issues, the course finishes with a look at the impact of humans on the evolution both of themselves and of other organisms.
Entry
This is a Level 3 course. Level 3 courses build on study skills and subject knowledge acquired from studies at Levels 1 and 2. They are intended only for students who have recent experience of higher education in a related subject, preferably with the OU. You will be required to interpret graphs and tables of data. You will also carry out some practical investigations involving measurement of specimens and analysis of the results. You need a background in science such as you would get from our Level 1 science course Exploring science (S104). You are also strongly advised to take at least one Level 2 biology, Earth science or environmental science course (or the equivalent) before embarking on S366. Your regional or national centre will be able to tell you where you can see reference copies of the Level 1 science course and of the Level 2 courses Biology: uniformity and diversity (S204) and Environmental science (S216). It is essential that you establish whether or not your background and experience give you a sound basis from which to tackle the course, since students who are appropriately prepared have the best chance of completing their studies successfully. The Science Faculty have produced a booklet, Are You Ready For S366? It will help you to decide whether you already have the recommended background knowledge or experience to start the course or whether you need a little extra preparation. This can be viewed or printed from the Are you ready for science? website. If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Qualifications
S366 is an optional course in our:
- BSc (Honours) Geosciences (B25)
- BSc (Honours) Life Sciences (B28)
- BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences (B16)
- BSc (Honours) Environmental Science (B52)
- Diploma in Natural Sciences (D47)
- Diploma in Geosciences (E02)
- Diploma in Life Sciences (E05)
It can also count towards most of our other degrees at bachelors level, where it can help to weight your degree towards a BSc.We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this course can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change.
Excluded combinations
Sometimes you will not be able to count a course towards a qualification if you have already taken another course with similar content. To check any excluded combinations relating to this course, visit our excluded combination finder or check with our Student Registration & Enquiry Service before registering.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
In general, students with disabilities may find the practical work in the kit exercise and the project challenging. Those with impaired sight or manual dexterity may need an assistant. There is an option of a computer project for students who are unable to complete the other project options. The course materials are available in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). Components may not be fully accessible using a screen reader and mathematical, scientific, and foreign language materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Large print versions of the course material can be provided on request. Transcripts of video material will also be available. The books are available in a comb-bound format. Any queries on this subject should come to our Student Registration & Enquiry Service in the first instance. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our booklet Meeting your needs which you can download or request from our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
You can also find information about accessible course materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Course materials
What's included
Two main texts, supplementary texts, DVD-ROM, course website and a home kit containing two real fossil specimens and a set of plaster replicas.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new computer since 2002 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the course material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. We may also be able to offer group tutorials or day schools that you are encouraged, but not obliged, to attend. Where your tutorials are held will depend on the distribution of students taking the course.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You can choose whether to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) on paper or online through the eTMA system. You may want to use the eTMA system for some of your assignments but submit on paper for others. This is entirely your choice.
Professional recognition
This course may help you to gain recognition from a professional body. You can download Recognition leaflet 3.4 Chartered Institution of Water and Environment Management and 3.8 Scientific Institutions, or ask our Student Registration & Enquiry Service for a copy of them.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in February 2011. We expect it to be available once a year in February.
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button. For more information and advice about registration see OU Study Explained.
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