BIO4010 – Life history theory
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
The course was offered for the last time in autumn 2005. The course will be partly replaced by BIO4140 Life history and climate, which is offered every autumn semester, starting autumn 2006.
The course will contain a discussion of new primary literature (theoretical and empirical) on the evolution of life histories. A general textbook may function as a general background for the discussions. The subjects will differ among years, depending on developments in the literature and availability of seminar leaders.
Learning outcome
To make the students understand what are the main questions discussed by the theories of life history evolution. An aim is to update the students on the most important theories, empirical tests of those theories, and the importance on life history variation on population dynamics of animals and plants. The focus is upon critical analysis.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
none
Recommended previous knowledge
A good background in ecology and evolution is desirable.
Teaching
The participants will be exposed to seminars describing ongoing research by local staff or guests. Further, each participant will present and discuss one scientific paper (given as a seminar), as well as write two essays on a given subject (one mid-term and one at the end of term)
Examination
The two essays are graded as pass / fail. All participants have to present one seminar and get a pass-grade on both essays to pass the course.