BIOL 242L — Genomes and Evolution Laboratory

This laboratory course for biology majors explores the origin and maintenance of biological variation, from individual genetic mutations in bacteria to adaptive radiations across geologic timescales. In addition to developing mastery of course content, students immerse themselves in the scientific method, learning basic microbiological techniques and how to apply them toward probing the nature of natural selection and evolution. Students work over the course of the semester on drafting a lab report to build their scientific writing skills.

The course is organized around three connected modules:

1. Experimental evolution in bacteria. Students investigate mutation and antibiotic resistance while developing skills in microbiology, microscopy, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and sequence analysis.
2. Population genetics. Simulation-based experiments examine how natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, mutation, population size, and non-random mating affect allele frequencies and population divergence.
3. Species and phylogeny. Students use phenotypic data to build and interpret phylogenetic trees, examine the diversity of plants and animals, and investigate adaptations associated with transitions from aquatic to terrestrial environments by performing dissections on diverse taxa.