Time Schedule:
Veronica Sandra Distilio
BIOL 590
Seattle Campus
Weekly discussions of past and current scientific literature in organismal biology, reviews of the state of the field, and presentation of research results. Discussions may cover the full breadth of the discipline or focus on selected topics. Prerequisite: graduate standing, or permission of instructor for undergraduates.
Class description
This seminar, intended for advanced undergraduates and graduate students, explores developmental biology with an evolutionary perspective, from the organismal to the molecular levels of organization, with an emphasis on plants. It includes subjects such as the genetic basis of angiosperm flower diversification, plant-pollinator co-evolution, floral scent and mimicry, evolution of sex determination mechanisms and sex chromosomes, and pollen-ovule signaling during sexual reproduction. The seminar aims to instill an appreciation of the complexity of the flowering plants and provide exposure to some of the most fascinating approaches to the study of their diversity, at all levels of organization.
Student learning goals
Learn to read the primary literature critically and effectively: distill main ideas, interpret figures and draw your own conclusions from the data presented.
Understand the evolution-of-development approach in biological research.
Have a broad background in evo-devo research in plant biology in relation to similar approaches in other organisms (e.g. animal body patterning and HOX genes).
Gain an appreciation of some of the most fascinating areas of current research in plant biology, with an emphasis on the genetic basis of flowering plant evolution.
General method of instruction
The instructor introduces the weekly topics and places them in broad context, making comparisons to the animal literature when appropriate. Students present a review and a research article, followed by a question-and answer period. Group discussion is guided by a questionnaire, due by the end of that week.
Recommended preparation
Intro Bio series needed for general background on genetics and evolution, molecular and cellular aspects, and some knowledge of plants desirable.
Class assignments and grading
Grading is based on participation in discussion, 1 page weekly questionnaires, and one oral presentation.
50% student presentations 30% participation in class discussion 20% weekly questionnaires
