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Evolution: Making Sense Of Life (BIOL20001)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
It is widely held that nothing in biology makes sense, except in the light of evolution. But evolutionary theory is crucial not only for making sense of organic diversity, but also for helping us understand and manage our interactions with other organisms: antibiotic and insecticide resistance, disease virulence, fisheries decline, spread of invasive species, human behaviour and life-histories are all informed by a knowledge of the processes of evolution. This subject will reveal the ubiquity of biological evolution in both natural and human modified environments. It will describe and explain the agents of change— drift, migration and selection, and show their effects on both single and multiple gene traits, and on the phylogenetic relationships of species. The subject will introduce co-evolutionary processes, which are critical for understanding traits that evolve through interactions between species, including humans. Particular topics will include (but not limited to): heritable variation; agents of evolution; artificial, natural and sexual selection; phenotypes and quantitative genetics; phylogeny, speciation and the tree of life; and antagonistic and mutualistic co-evolution. The subject will emphasise both the outcome and process of scientific research leading to our understanding of evolutionary processes, drawing on examples from across the diversity of life.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon completion of this subject students should have an appreciation of phylogenies and the tree of life; genes, mutations and phenotypes; quantitative genetics; adaptation and natural selection; mutualistic and antagonistic co-evolution; applications of evolutionary ideas to human activities
Generic skills
The subject builds upon generic skills developed in first year level subjects, including the ability to critically assess and assimilate new knowledge. Students should learn how to use these skills to solve practical problems associated with the discipline. They should learn how to design experiments and critically evaluate experimental designs. This subject also enables students to gain experience in evaluating and interpreting data and writing scientific reports.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of the following:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BIOL10001 | Biology of Australian Flora & Fauna | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
BIOL10002 | Biomolecules and Cells | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
BIOL10003 | Genes and Environment | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
BIOL10004 | Biology of Cells and Organisms | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
BIOL10005 | Genetics & The Evolution of Life | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
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: 27 April 2024
Assessment
Additional details
- In-class assessment of interactive problems associated with each of the 6 of the fortnightly workshops (40%)
- One essay of up to 1500 words (20% due Week 7)
- 2-hour written examination (40%) in the examination period
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Coordinators Amanda Franklin and Luke Holman Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hrs, 2 x 1hr lectures per week and 6 x 2hr workshops over the semester (one fortnightly) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 29 July 2019 to 27 October 2019 Last self-enrol date 9 August 2019 Census date 31 August 2019 Last date to withdraw without fail 27 September 2019 Assessment period ends 22 November 2019
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Zimmer, C. and Emlen, D. (2016) Evolution: Making Sense of Life, Second Edition. Roberts and Company Publishers
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED - 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.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 27 April 2024