Handbook home
Evolution and the Human Condition (ZOOL30004)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
How human are humans? Is Darwin’s extraordinary idea relevant for our species? This subject examines the role of evolution in shaping human biology, by examining our past origins, our current behavior and life-histories, and our future relationships with other organisms. Topics include the evolutionary history of hominids, patterns of migration and variation in skin colour; human reproductive strategies and sex ratios; why language makes us different; how genes and environment shape sexual and cooperative behavior; antagonistic co-evolutionary processes and antimicrobial resistance, pathogen virulence, and management of natural resources. Lectures draw on contemporary examples from the primary literature, complemented with TV documentaries. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between unsubstantiated conjecture and concepts that are supported by rigorous science.
Intended learning outcomes
This subject aims to provide students with an understanding of the evolution of adaptation by natural and sexual selection; knowledge of how evolutionary theory explains human behavior and life-histories; and how an understanding of evolutionary processes can help resolve questions about human interactions with other species
Generic skills
The subject builds upon existing generic skills, including an ability to assimilate and critically evaluate new knowledge within a scientific paradigm, and to communicate that knowledge to a broad audience.
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
25 points of 200-level subjects that address biological or human-related issues, or by arrangement with the coordinator
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Assessment
Additional details
- A written essay (no more than 1100 words), and three double blind reviews (no more than 500 words per review), due during the semester (40%);
- a 30-minute written examination in mid-semester (10%);
- a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (50%).
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Theresa Jones Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 2 x one hour lectures per week; 16 hours excursion, tutorial or practical work during the semester Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
None
- Subject notes
This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major Genetics Major Genetics Informal specialisation Zoology Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Informal specialisation Genetics Informal specialisation Zoology Major Zoology Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Major Zoology Major Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Major Genetics Major Genetics Breadth Track Ecology, Evolution and Humanity - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 11 April 2024