General information
| Course type | LAS |
| Module title | Fundamentals of the Theory of Evolution |
| Language | English |
| Module lecturer | Jacek Radwan |
| Lecturer's email | jradwan@amu.edu.pl |
| Lecturer position | prof. UAM dr hab. |
| Faculty | Faculty of History |
| Semester | 2025/2026 (summer) |
| Duration | 30 |
| ECTS | 4 |
| USOS code | 18-S1LAA04-P02969 |
Timetable
Module aim (aims)
1 acquainting students with the main facts demonstrating the occurrence of the process of evolution
2 students’ understanding of natural selection as a strong scientific theory explaining the evolution of life on Earth
3 developing an understanding of the mechanisms of adaptation through natural selection
4 developing the ability to interpret biological facts using the theory of evolution
Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)
Syllabus
1. Facts demonstrating the evolution of life on Earth
2. Foundations of evolutionary theory: the mechanism of natural selection, adaptations as a result of natural selection, the genetic theory of selection and genetic drift
3. Levels of selection: selfish genetic elements, kin selection, sexual selection and conflict, evolutionary game theory
4. Evolution of biodiversity: life histories and aging of organisms, speciation