Print Syllabus

Syllabus

BI1425 Evolution and ecology for animal science students, 7.5 Credits

Evolution och ekologi för djurvetare

Subjects

Biology

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	7.5	0101

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1F)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

• 10 credits animal science

or

• 10 credits veterinary medicine

or

• 10 credits veterinary nursing

or

• 10 credits equine science

or

• 10 credits biology

or

• 10 credits chemistry



Exemption granted from the general entry requirement of Swedish.

Objectives

The course provides new perspectives relating to domestic animals’ natural history, welfare, social behavior and disease.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• describe the evolutionary selection processes (natural, sexual and artificial selection) as they relate to different animal species,

• account for evolutionary and ecological perspectives on the domestication process, and how to use these perspectives to better understand the morphology, behavior, welfare and susceptibility to disease of domestic

companion animals and livestock,

• discuss how evolutionary and ecological perspectives are used to understand the spread and impact of domestic species within natural ecosystems

• account for ecological and evolutionary processes in disease management and welfare of both domestic and wild animals; in particular the importance of ecological processes within an integrated ‘One Health’ perspective,

• discuss how an understanding of natural selection principles can be extended to non-traditional fields of understanding, such as the evolution of internet memes and viral ideas within our cultural environment.

Content

The course primarily covers the topics of evolution and ecology as they relate to the domestication history and way of life of domestic and wild animals. Specifically the course focuses on the basic principles of natural, sexual and

artificial selection with relevance for all students studying animal sciences.

The course provides a deep understanding of evolutionary and ecological processes and how they can be applied by animal scientists to enrich their understanding of animal biology, behaviour, disease, medicine and culture.

The course primarily focuses on how evolutionary history and ecology have shaped the biology of animals, particularly with regard to companion animals and livestock. Compulsory components are reflections on the course material and online group discussions.

In the course, the following general skills are trained: critical thinking

The course content is made up of lectures, online discussions and reflections of how to use evolutionary and ecological concepts within traditional animal science fields.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Approved participation in compulsory reflections and discussions.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

Lectures are in English, but Swedish students will have access to a Swedish-English glossary of terms to make it easier to translate concepts discussed during this course into other courses they take.



The lectures and discussions will be accessible ‘live’ as well as being recorded and available online so that students can watch or read the lecture and be involved in discussions at a time best suited to them. Thus the course delivery and the timing of student participation will be flexible to allow students to take the course remotely, or in parallel with other studies, if preferred.

Responsible department

Department of Ecology