Contemplating evolution, remembering Darwin: A weeklong interdisciplinary event

The 12th annual Darwin Week in Charleston is an exploration of evolutionary issues that draws together various disciplines: biology, neuroscience, astronomy, anthropology, art and religion.

The event kicks off today with a 4 p.m. science lecture by Dr. Athula Wikramanayake, professor of biology at the University of Miami, who will discuss 'The Evolution of Complex Animals' in the College of Charleston's School of Sciences and Math Auditorium (Coming and Calhoun streets, Room 129).

Neurobiologist Catalin Buhusi, of the Medical University of South Carolina, talks about decision-making and cognitive abilities at 4 p.m. Tuesday in the same place. A religious debate on the topic of evil, hosted by Second Presbyterian Church (342 Meeting St.), follows at 7:30 p.m.

Citadel astronomer Luke Sollitt will be in the Sciences and Math Auditorium at 4 p.m. Wednesday to contemplate alien life.

Anthropologist Ted Goebel of Texas A&M discusses the ice age dispersal of humans to the Americas at 4 p.m. Thursday in the auditorium, and again at 7:30 p.m. in The Citadel's Duckett Hall Auditorium (Lee and Jones avenues).

The movie 'Alleged' will be screened at 6 p.m. Friday in the Sciences and Math Auditorium, followed by a birthday bash sponsored by the biology department.

The week concludes at Circular Congregational Church (150 Meeting St.) with a special sermon by College of Charleston biology professor Robert T. Dillon Jr., who will speak during the 11 a.m. service on "Science and the Christian Religion."

All events are free and open to the public. For details, visit http://dillonr.people.cofc.edu/DarwinWeek.html.