Darwin

By combining thorough observations with valuable information gathered from his contemporaries, Charles Darwin was led to a theory of the origin of species that revolutionized the ideas of the 19th Century.  Today, his ideas have not only become a paradigm within biology, but have profoundly influenced academia in general and are still firmly engaged in contemporary Creation vs Evolution debates.  It is reasonable to suggest that no single book of the 19th Century has a greater influence on 21st Century thought than Darwin’s On the Origin of Species.

This event from St Andrews brings together some of the greatest minds in the University to celebrate and appropriately honour one of Britain’s best known and respected scientists.

We wish to mark this occasion by showing the general public and a new generation of students across academic disciplines how Darwin’s ideas remain central to contemporary research, within and beyond the biological sciences.

Darwin in St Andrews: Enquiries

These events are supported by:
The University of St Andrews School of Biology
The Society for the Study of Evolution
British Association for the Advancement of Science

Monday 9th of February, 2009

17.00 Lecture Theatre C, Bute Building University of St Andrews FREE no booking required Note: Disabled access to the venue is difficult - if you may require assistance, please contact us in advance.

Dr John van Wyhe Director, The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online, University of Cambridge Mind the gap: did Darwin avoid publishing his theory for 20 years? Followed by drinks reception

18.00 Bute Building (Door C) University of St Andrews FREE

Exhibition Inauguration: Charles Darwin and his links to St. Andrews A selection of fascinating correspondence from the University’s special collections displayed alongside beautiful images of plant specimens collected during the Voyage of the Beagle and informative posters designed by Biology students explaining more about Darwin’s life and works. Open to members of staff and students all week, and to the general public Monday 9th February: 6-7pm, Thursday 12th February: all day, and also on Saturday 14th March (National Science Week):12-5pm.

Tuesday 10th of February, 2009

16.00 Lecture Theatre D, Bute Building University of St Andrews FREE booking required please email darwin@st-andrews.ac.uk	Prof. Thomas Meagher School of Biology Evolution in the Century of Biology: adaptation to societal need Note: Disabled access to the venue is difficult - if you may require assistance, please let us know when you book.
18.00 New Picture House Cinema, North Street, St Andrews £5 capacity 124 - booking recommended	Film by Stanley Kramer starring Spencer Tracy & Gene Kelly Inherit the Wind Classic 1960 movie version of the play about the Scopes "Monkey Trial"... read more...

Wednesday 11th of February, 2009

17.00 Bell Pettigrew Museum, Bute Building University of St Andrews FREE no booking required - Staff & Students only

contact Nick Scott for details First meeting of the University of St Andrews 'On the Origin of Species' Reading Group The first meeting will have a wine reception and friendly conversation of the first chapter 'Variation under Domestication'. (Open to University Staff and Students only.)

Darwin's Day Programme
Thursday 12th of February, 2009

Lecture Theatre C, Bute Building, University of St Andrews
Free all-day event, including tea and coffee but not lunch. Booking not required.

Note: Disabled access to the venue is difficult - if you may require assistance, please contact us in advance.

9.10 - 9.15	Valentina Islas School of Biology Welcome
Chair: Dr. Jeff Graves
9.15-9.30	Prof. Peter Slater School of Biology Darwin and Scotland
9.30-9.45	Prof Richard Abbott School of Biology Darwin, the botanist
9.45-10.10	Prof. Malcolm White School of Biology Origin of life
10.10-10.35	Dr. David Ferrier School of Biology The evolution of animal development
Coffee Break
Chair: Dr. Daniel Barker
11.05-11.30	Prof. Mike Ritchie School of Biology Origin of species
11.30-11.55	Prof. Anne Magurran School of Biology Evolution of biodiversity
11.55-12.20	Prof. Pat Willmer School of Biology Co-evolution
12.20-12.45	Prof. Andy Whiten School of Psychology Evolution of culture
Lunch Break
Chair: Prof. Peter Slater
14.00-14.25	Dr. Gillian Brown School of Psychology Evolution of sex-differences
14.25-14.50	Dr. Tecumseh Fitch School of Psychology Evolution of language
14.50-15.15	Prof. Kevin Laland School of Biology Niche construction and human evolution
15.15-15.40	Dr. Mark Elliott School of Divinity Some implications of Darwin's theory for the Christian religion
Coffee Break
Chair: Dr. Iain Matthews
16.10-16.35	Prof. Katherine Hawley School of Philosophy Darwinism and human nature
16.35-17.00	Prof. Peter Clark School of Philosophy Darwinism: why science needs metaphysics
17.00-17.25	Dr. Charles Paxton School of Mathematics & Statistics Evolution, creationism and education
17.25-17.50	Dr. Robert Prescott School of History On the track of the Beagle
17.50 - 17.55	Amy Deacon School of Biology Close

Friday 13th of February, 2009

13.30 Old Library, School of Psychology University of St Andrews FREE Staff & Students only contact Nick Scott

Professor David Perrett School of Psychology Attractiveness and mate selection in humans