BIOL 4141: Evolution — Content Expert/Curriculum Developer

DUTIES Brief description of the project: Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning (TRU-OL) is looking for a qualified content expert/curriculum developer to complete a major revision of BIOL 4141: Evolution.   Course Description: Students examine central concepts in the contemporary theory of evolution, such as variation, descent, natural selection, adaptation, speciation, and extinction on both micro- and macro-evolutionary scales. Emphasis is placed on presentation of changes in evolutionary thinking and discussion of how the current theory of evolution developed from the time of the Greek philosophers to modern evolutionary synthesis. This historical approach addresses scientific theories are first proposed & continuously modified to accommodate new findings. Students’ major projects consist of independent research into current controversies surrounding evolutionary theory. Topics include origins of living systems; species and their origins and extinctions; adaptation and constraints; systematics; evolutionary ethics.   Course Development Process: The course developer will work under the guidance of the Instructional Designer responsible for the course development project, and in collaboration with the course development team will: Participate in brainstorming and planning sessions. Develop a detailed framework (or blueprint) for the course which includes relevant learning outcomes, learning activities, and assessments appropriate for an online continuous entry course. Revise and/or develop content, including learning activities and authentic assessments to ensure that they are relevant and appropriate for an online continuous entry course. Create multimedia or other active learning activities to ensure student engagement through experiential learning. Choose effective and appropriate resources, ideally digital, and prioritize low-cost and accessible options, such as Open Educational Resources (OERs), TRU’s e-Library collection and article databases, and other accessible material and media. TRU respects intellectual property laws and expects curriculum developers to accurately cite sources and identify material that may require copyright clearance. They will follow the guidance of the Instructional Designer on the inclusion of any AI-generated content.   TRU-OL uses a collaborative approach to course development that involves interactive planning meetings and review sessions as needed.    Expectations: Meet the deliverables according to the agreed-upon timeline. Respond to project-related communication and meeting requests in a timely manner (within 48 hours). All team members will provide feedback that is constructive and relevant, and centered on course content and learning activities. Participate in post-development contract evaluation. Communicate in a professional and respectful way in accordance with TRU Policy Number BRD 17-0:  RESPECTFUL WORKPLACE AND HARASSMENT PREVENTION () QUALIFICATIONS Criteria for assignment of work: The successful candidate will be selected on the basis of the following criteria: PhD in Biology. Significant relevant work experience. Demonstration of current and ongoing engagement in the course subject matter through research and/or the scholarship of teaching, including the dissemination of outcomes in appropriate academic venues. Proven course development skills in a face-to-face or distance environment. Demonstrated ability to write in a clear and consistent style with grammatical accuracy. The ability to meet deadlines. The ability to work in a collaborative and consultative manner. Experience or education in online course development or online facilitation is an asset.   Please submit a cover letter detailing how you meet the selection criteria, CV/resume, copies of transcripts*, and a writing sample^ via the online application system; please combine these components as one file in your attachment.  Response to this notification signifies that you are willing and able to comply with the aforementioned terms and conditions of the project work.   *Copies of transcripts are not required if you are currently working, or have in the recent past worked, for TRU or TRU-Open Learning   ^A writing sample could include a lesson outline, learning activity, element of evaluation, etc., or indicate the name(s) of any TRU Open Learning or BCOU courses that you have written