Aims

To give a main view of the steps that lead to the appearance of life of earth and its evolution to the human specie ; to present and discuss the different hypothesis proposed to explain these steps, to develop the critical sense of students.

Main themes

- Historical view : ancient theories and recent interpretations.
- Evolution of organic molecules from the mineral material and the appearance of caracteristics of life.
- Evolution of procaryotes, relations between them and eucaryotes.
- Molecular evolution and use of molecules to establish the evolutionnary relations.
- Evolution of vegetals and animals : differences and similarities ; installation of life on firm ground ; influence of biotic factors and coevolution.
- Mecanisms responsable for speciation and evolution : polymorphism, natural selection, isolation.
- Origin of man and cultural evolution.
The molecular, genetic, cytological and morphological aspects looked upon in most chapters. The origin of life, of eucaryotes, the evolution of plants and animals necessary to know the ancestors of modern man. Also we look upon ecology and biogeography in the chapters concerning evolution and coevolution of organisms.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Prerequisites: biochemistry, cellular biology, zoology and botany.
Supports: syllabus, slides, films.

Other credits in programs