BI302A - Evolution (Fall 2026)

Faculty/Academic Area: Faculty of Science 

Department: Biology 

Campus: Waterloo 

Employee Group: WLUFA 

Requisition ID: 11142 

Position Title: BI302A - Evolution

Term: Fall term (Sep 1 – Dec 31)

Days/Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.

Hours per week/Hours Total: 3/36

Mode of Delivery: In-Person

Type of Instruction: Lecture

Anticipated Class Size: 102

Additional Course Requirements: none

Posted on: May 29, 2026

Posting ends: June 12, 2026

AI tools will be used in the hiring process: No

Position Summary:

A comprehensive and integrative course on evolution by natural selection as the underlying principle of modern biology. Topics include the mechanisms of selection; the concepts of adaptation, fitness and species; the evolution of sex; co-evolution; and the origin of life.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand how the scientific method and the central organizing paradigms, concepts, and processes, contribute to knowledge about evolutionary biology.
2. Understand how evolutionary biology integrates with concepts from across the natural sciences, to contribute to the development of new understanding of life processes.
3. Select and apply concepts, theories, and established methodologies currently used in evolutionary biology for the identification, investigation, and analysis of complex problems.
4. Propose and test concepts, hypotheses and predictions about evolution using critical thinking and analytical skills at all steps in the process.
5. Communicate information about evolutionary biology, from a variety of sources, in a variety of forms, including informal and formal reports, to a range of audiences.
6. Evaluate current evolution research in the context of the needs of society in areas such as conservation, environmental quality and health, and the ethical issues that may be involved.

Topics Covered:

Introduction to evolutionary biology; Phylogenetics and tree thinking; Basics of population genetics: Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium, linkage, genetic drift, non-random mating, migration; Natural selection; Quantitative trait variation, hereditability, Evolution of genes and genomes, molecular phylogenetics; Evidence of selection in genes; Fitness variation; Life history evolution; Evolution of sex; Sexual selection; Conflict and cooperation; species and concepts; speciation; coevolution

Qualifications – Required Academic Degree: PhD

Qualifications – Required Discipline: Biological Sciences

Qualifications – Required Areas of Specialization: Expertise and experience in population genetics and/or evolutionary biology.

Salary: $10,212.40

Application Deadline: June 12, 2026

Submit with Application:

Required for All Applicants

• CV (required)
• Candidate Application Form (CAF)

Required for External Applicants

• Names and Contact Information for Referees
• Evidence of Good Teaching
• Verification of highest degree

Optional

• Cover Letter
• Teaching Dossier
• Sample Course Outline

Note: A Cover Letter is not expected (unless noted as required) as the CAF will include information that is typically included in a Cover Letter.

Applications may be addressed to:

Dr. Matt Smith
Chair, Department of Biology
Wilfrid Laurier University
Waterloo, Ontario

To Apply:

Please click the gold “Apply Now” button located on the top right hand side of the page.

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This appointment is in accordance with the Contract Teaching Faculty and Part-time Librarians Collective Agreement, for which the Wilfrid Laurier Faculty Association (WLUFA) is the exclusive bargaining agent.  All applicants are assessed using both the “Appendix H: Assessment of CTF Candidates under 13.6.1” in the collective agreement and the program specific rubric.  Candidates should review these documents and ensure the information required is easily accessible in the application. 

Please Note:

Assessment of your application will be based primarily on the Candidate Application Form (CAF). The Part-time Appointment Committee is only required to review the CAF, Curriculum Vitae, and any specifically referenced pages in a supplemental document(s) to ensure fair assessment of each candidate.

Candidate Application form (CAF) is used to apply to an individual posting and must be submitted with each application. The completed form is to be uploaded with all other application materials by the deadline listed in the course posting. Refer to Appendix I of the Contract Teaching Faculty Collective Agreement for further guidance about completing the CAF and Appendix H for details on how this form will be scored.

For Supplementary Remuneration for marking and grading allowance, see Article 28.2, and coordination of large classes or multi-section courses, see Article 28.3

Pursuant to Article 13.5 of the Collective Agreement for Contract Teaching Faculty (CTF) and Part-time Librarians, all applicants shall apply electronically. Applications must be received by 23:59 local time of the date on the posting.

Wilfrid Laurier University endeavors to fill positions with qualified candidates who have a combination of education, experience, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position while demonstrating Laurier's Employee Success Factors.

Diversity and creating a culture of inclusion is a key pillar of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Strategic Academic Plan and is one of Laurier’s core values. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from qualified members of the equity-deserving groups. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programming at Laurier are welcome to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at indigenous@wlu.ca. Candidates from other equity-deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programming at Laurier are welcome to contract Equity and Accessibility at equity@wlu.ca. We have strived to make our application process accessible, however if you require any assistance applying for a position or would like this job posted in an alternative format, please contact Faculty Relations at FacultyRelations@wlu.ca.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, as per Canadian immigration laws, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Members of the equity-deserving groups must self-identify to the appropriate Dean(s) to be considered for employment equity.

All course offerings will be contingent on adequate student registration and subject to budgetary funding.

Members of the Contract Teaching Faculty bargaining unit:

Should you be interested in learning more about this opportunity, please visit www.wlu.ca/careers for additional information and the online application system. All applications must be submitted online.

All applications shall be reviewed and considered under a set of criteria established by the part-time hiring committee. Only those applicants recommended for a position will be contacted.