Part II Zoology
Lent term modules 2009-10
L1 Mammalian evolution and faunal history
L2 Conservation biology
L3 Behavioural ecology
L5 Genes, Genomes and Animal Evolution
L6 Developmental biology
L7 Control of gene expression
L1 Mammalian evolution and faunal history
Module Organiser – Dr Rob Asher
tel: 36680, email: r.asher@zoo.cam.ac.uk
Aims
- to make students familiar with the comparative morphology and functional biology, modes of life and distribution, evolutionary relationships and basic systematics of mammals and their antecedents
- to emphasise the importance of a synthetic approach to the biology of mammals, by using evidence from both living and fossil groups
- to demonstrate the reciprocal illumination provided by a consideration of mammalian biology on one hand and of evolutionary processes on the other
- to illustrate and support the value of a critical attitude to published work
Course structure
In the first 4 lectures, attention is directed to the 'mammal-like reptiles', and to the evolutionary innovations leading to the origin of 'true mammals'.
The next 6 lectures deal with the diverse groups of so-called 'Mesozoic mammals' that occupy most of the evolutionary history of mammals.
6 lectures then consider the origins and biology of the three modern groups of mammals: the egg-laying monotremes (duck-bill platypus and spiny anteaters) and the marsupials and placentals, with an emphasis on their phylogenetic relationships, diversity and biogeography. Although the topics covered are set in a rigorous framework of evolutionary principles, the fascinating natural history of living mammals is not neglected.
The next 2 lectures consider aspects of the biology of Tertiary mammals.
Finally, 6 lectures are devoted to mammalian diversity and evolution in the Quaternary ('Ice Age mammals'). Two introductory lectures consider essential issues of dating, climate and stratigraphy. The following four lectures deal with the animals themselves, including a consideration of the possible consequences of human activity. Emphasis is put upon the correlation between measurable physical change in the mammals and climatic events.
Learning outcomes
- as the prime outcome of teaching in this module, students will acquire a synthetic and wide-ranging knowledge of the evolutionary biology of living mammals and their antecedents
- the module will enable students to think critically about the particular problems associated with learning about the biology of extinct mammals, in the light of the knowledge they will gain of living ones
- students will achieve the skills needed to take a critical approach to current controversies represented in the scientific literature, skills that are transferable to other areas of students' work within and beyond their university courses
L2 Conservation biology
Module Organiser - Andrew Balmford
tel: (3)31770, email: a.balmford@zoo.cam.ac.uk
Aims
- To explain the importance and origins of biological diversity and examine the evidence that nature is currently in decline;
- To understand the immediate threats and underlying drivers causing this decline;
- To explore how biological, economic, political and social insights can be integrated to identify potential solutions;
- To help students appreciate that solving real-world practical conservation problems usually requires a multi-disciplinary approach
Course structure
This is an inter-departmental course taught by the Departments of Zoology and Plant Sciences, with additional input from outside experts on policy, economics, and conservation practice.
The module begins by addressing several fundamental issues – what the evidence is for an extinction crisis, why that might matter, what we mean by biological diversity, and where it is found.
The next block of lectures examines reasons for current declines in wild species and the places they live, including over-harvesting, habitat destruction and degradation, the introduction of exotic species, climate change, genetic factors, and underlying economic pressures. This section will also explore several key concepts in conservation biology, such as priority-setting, island biogeography theory, the idea that small populations of plants and animals are particularly vulnerable to extinction, and practical approaches to diagnosing causes of threat.
The final part of the module explores potential solutions to conservation problems. By combining socio-economic as well as biological insights, the lectures take a constructively critical look at ex situ conservation, ecosystem management and restoration, conservation treaties, agri-environment schemes, ecosystem services, nature-related tourism, and the sustainable exploitation of wild plants and animals.
Learning outcomes
- A broad understanding of the breadth of biological insights that can be brought to bear on questions in conservation biology;
- An appreciation of how successful conservation is based on high-quality science;
- A familiarity with those ideas from economics and policy that impinge significantly on conservation issues;
- An ability to think critically about key issues in conservation, and potentially to apply that thinking in a future career
L3 Behavioural ecology
Module Organiser - Dr Rufus Johnstone
tel: (3)36685, email: r.a.johnstone@zoo.cam.ac.uk
Aims
This course aims to provide a functional interpretation of variation in animal life histories and behaviour.
Course structure
The underlying theme of the course is that individuals will behave in ways that promote their genetic contribution to future generations. The way in which they do so are constrained by their ecology and by social interactions with members of their own species.
Lecture blocks deal with social evolution, communication, family life, vertebrate and insect societies and selfish genes.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course students should have an understanding of:
- the framework of evolutionary theory that is used to explain variation animal behaviour;
- the way in which ecology and social competition constrain and control evolutionary options;
- the empirical evidence that supports functional interpretations of behaviour (including observation, comparative and experimental studies)
L5 Genes, genomes and animal evolution
Module Organiser - Professor Michael Akam
tel.: (3)36612, email: m.akam@zoo.cam.ac.uk
Aims
- To provide an understanding of how processes internal to the genome affect its evolution
- To show how information contained in genome structure and gene sequences can be used to infer phylogenetic relationships and patterns of character evolution
- To explore how the mechanisms of individual development have been molded, through evolution, to generate the diversity of form in the animal kingdom.
Course Structure
The first series of lectures examines strife within the genome and its consequences for genome and organismal evolution. There will be three main topics. First, a look at selfish DNA, DNA sequences such as transposable elements which appear to exist more because of their ability to reproduce within the genome than because they are useful to the organism. Second comes the battle of the sexes - how sex is determined and how this sets up a dynamic battle between the chromosomes within an individual. Finally, the concept of tension and competition within the genome will be broadened to embrace other forms of genomic conflict including that between competing offspring developing within a female, and between a female and her offspring. The series will end with a review of the importance of these internal conflicts to the process of organismal evolution .
The second group of lectures examines how the sequences of genes and genomes can be used to reconstruct the history of life on earth. They provide a brief, non-technical introduction to the various methods used, and the models of evolution that underly them, and then consider examples where molecular phylogenies have been used to study patterns of diversification, and to test hypotheses of character evolution.
The last two groups of lectures broadly cover evolutionary genomics and evolutionary developmental biology. First we use data from whole genome sequences to survey the genetic "tool kit" that guides metazoan development. We consider when the genetic mechanisms that control animal development arose, in relation to the origin and early diversification of animals. Then we examine the genetic and developmental basis of animal diversity, focussing on morphology and life history, using a series of case studies that range from the evolution of single cell lineages in nematodes to the evolution of pigment patterns in vertebrates. We explore such ideas as developmental constraints, gene recruitment and macromutation.
Learning Outcomes
- An understanding of the ways in which natural selection can act below the level of the individual to shape the structure and functioning of the genome.
- An ability to interpret and assess molecular phylogenetic trees and the conclusions drawn from them.
- An appreciation of the ways in which molecular and developmental studies may enrich our understanding of evolution and animal diversity.
L6 Development: Cell differentiation and organogenesis
Module Organisers
Dr Helen Skaer, Zoology,
tel: (7)63189, email: h.skaer@zoo.cam.ac.uk
Dr Nick Brown, PDN,
tel: (3)34128, email: nb117@cam.ac.uk
Aims
The course is intended to provide an introduction to the ways in which embryonic cells lose their pluripotency, becoming differentiated in patterned arrays to build specific structures. Examples will be drawn from a wide range of organisms to illustrate the regulatory mechanisms that produce cell polarity, cell migration, tubulogenesis and organogenesis. Students will be introduced to ongoing research in these fields.
Course structure
The course will consider first the nature of stem cells focussing on germ cells and sex determination. We then consider different cellular phenotypes (polarised cells; migratory cells) and the tissues that are built up from them, taking examples from a wide range of organisms in order to establish fundamental mechanisms. The principles of organogenesis will be introduced using different tissues each of which highlights particular developmental mechanisms. The course will finish with a consideration of regulated growth control and the consequences of its breakdown in cancer. To provide a forum for discussion, we plan regular journal club seminars focussing on one or two recent papers relating to each topic area covered by the course.
Learning outcomes
- An understanding of the techniques used in the study of early stem cell biology and organogenesis, in particular genetics, imaging and molecular biology.
- Knowledge of the current state of understanding of the stem cell state, cell differentiation and the regulation of patterned tissue generation.
- Familiarity with the results of the latest research in these fields.
- An ability to think independently and to critically evaluate published work and to devise experimental strategies to solve open questions in the field.
L7 Control of gene expression
Module Organiser - Dr Isabel Palacios
tel: (3)30111, email mip22@cam.ac.uk
Aims
Control of gene expression is a topic that is invading many areas of contemporary biology. It is important for understanding the fundamental functions of cells, and for understanding how cells proliferate, how they respond to environmental stimuli and how they change their function during differentiation. Therefore, an understanding of gene expression becomes central for an understanding of developmental biology.
Recently, genome projects have been focusing more and more attention on patterns of gene expression in different cells, different tissues and different organisms. A new revolutionary experimental tool of RNA interference has been developed to knock-out the expression of any specific gene in living cells to study the function of that particular gene in vivo.
This course aims to introduce and discuss a wide range of examples of how specific gene expression is regulated and to introduce students to the range of methodology that is used in such studies.
Course structure
The first 9 lectures are given in the Department of Zoology in the Part II Lecture Theatre. The subsequent 15 lectures are also taken by students reading Part II Biochemistry and these will be held in the Department of Biochemistry, Tennis Court Road. These lectures are given by members of the Departments of Zoology and Biochemistry.
Learning outcomes
- An understanding of the scope and range of examples of control of gene expression.
- An ability to approach and understand the rapidly growing literature on the control of gene expression.
- An ability to design and criticise experimental approaches for the study of the control of gene expression.