An introduction to the scientific methods used to study the tempo and mode of evolution above the species level and important topics in macroevolution such as the Cambrian explosion, the origin of novelties, the evolution of development, and phylogenetics.
4
UnitsLetter
Grading1
PasstimeNone
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeI really enjoyed this class, and Todd was a solid lecturer. It's clear he's super interested in what he's teaching and that transferred into the material, which was already interesting. The first midterm was kind of rough, but he was very supportive in helping me understand how to do better going forward. The TAs were also very nice and helpful.
love this man. not only was the class super interesting, it wasn't stressful which I really appreciate because I was actually able to learn without being stressed. section attendance was mandatory but Lisa was super helpful and made everything make sense. make sure you do the problem sets multiple times and you'll be set for the exams.
Dr. Oakley grades fair, and gives assignments to reinforce what you're learning, but the material is not that exciting as it is very specific and narrow in evolution. For "Macroevolution" we mostly focused on genetic trade off and rooting, parsimony, heterocrony, and other concepts. Search these up! Only take the class if these topics interest you.
Lecture was boring, sometimes exam had lecture based questions so if you skipped, you would be out of luck. Doesn't curve the class. Exams are reasonable. Takes FOREVER to grade assignments and exams. Took a midterm week 3, had to wait until week 7-8 to get our first midterm grades back 1 week before our 2nd midterm. got MT2 grade 1 wk before final
Great, interesting class. I learned to combat anti-evolution arguments.
Relatively easy course for the evolution requirement of EEMB. However, other courses will likely serve you better. The class became too difficult to determine what was expected of us when Bjorn came in. This class is rooted (you will get the reference...) in phylogenetic reconstruction. If this does not sound interesting, do not take the course.