Introduction to Evolution and Ecology
Undergraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 10
- Teaching semesters Autumn
- Course code
- BIO100
- Teaching language
- Norwegian
- Resources
- Schedule
- Reading list
Course description
Objectives and Content
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge:
- have knowledge of the history and core logic of evolutionary theory, as well as of Darwin and other key people
- know how evolution takes place at the individual and population level and has a molecular basis
- have knowledge of key concepts, definitions and theories in ecology, behavior, learning, life history, population dynamics, genetics and evolution
- have an understanding of how selection pressure arises in ecological interaction and competition between individual and species
- know the main lines of life's origin and evolution on earth, including the evolution of man
- knowledge of source criticism, critical reflection on science, and the communication of scientific knowledge
Skills:
- do simple arithmetic problems and calculations in population dynamics and genetics, including using spreadsheets
- be able to read and explain graphs with research results
- be able to navigate relevant scholarly literature and sources efficiently through appropriate search tools
General competence:
- apply a precise terminology with clear use of concepts and unambiguous sentences
- see parallels and draw lines between different biological disciplines as the theory of evolution brings them together
- recognize and discuss evolutionary issues in texts on biological systems
- collaborate in groups and reason and argue about evolution and ecology
ECTS Credits
Level of Study
Semester of Instruction
Autumn.
This course has a limited capacity, enrolment is based on application. The application deadline is Wednesday in week 33. Please see this page for more information. You will receive confirmation of whether you received a seat in Studentweb no later than Monday the week after the deadline.
It is compulsory to attend the first lecture/orientation meeting, or you risk losing your seat. If you are unable to attend the first lecture, you must contact the Study Section (studie.bio@uib.no). The time of the first lecture/orientation meeting can be found in the schedule on the course website or on Mitt UiB.
Place of Instruction
Required Previous Knowledge
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Access to the Course
Teaching and learning methods
The course consists of seven topics delivered over two weeks according to the following structure:
- Each topic begins with an introductory lecture on the Wednesday of the first week.
- Following the introductory lecture, students are expected to work independently to familiarise themselves with the topic using the textbooks and supplementary materials provided on the learning platform Mitt UiB.
- The three remaining group sessions - held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Tuesday of the following week - are organised as collaborative learning activities.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Forms of Assessment
The course uses portfolio assessment, with the final grade based on three components:
- Ready‑to‑Learn Tests: Points from individual and group tests (equally weighted) conducted at the start of each topic during group sessions (7 topics). The five topics with the highest scores count for 25% of the final grade.
- Milestone Checks: Points from individual tests at the end of each topic during group sessions. The five topics with the highest scores count for 10% of the final grade.
- A final written examination consisting of multiple‑choice questions (3 hours) counts for 65% of the final grade. It is not possible to pass the course without taking the final exam.
Students who pass the final exam (component 3) receive a letter grade based on all three assessment components, weighted as described above. Demonstrated progression may be taken into account in borderline cases.
Students who have previously completed one or more assessment components may choose to retake components during the teaching semester (it is not possible to retake only selected topics within components 1 and 2). The best performance in each assessment component will be used to calculate the new grade. Scores from previous semesters may be adjusted if there are differences in difficulty level from year to year, for example due to variation in exam difficulty.
The three assessment components remain valid for eight semesters, including the semester in which they were completed.
Please contact the student administration if the validity period for your assessment components has expired, to determine whether you may still retake the course.
Grading Scale
Assessment Semester
Autumn.
A new examination will be arranged early in the spring semester for students who have a valid absence from the final examination (component 3) in the autumn semester. These students must apply for an early examination using the digital form available on this page.