Evolution: Making Sense Of Life (BIOL20001)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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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

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Define and explain the core concepts of evolutionary biology, including heritability, adaptation, and speciation.
  • Describe the scientific techniques used to study evolution, such as experimental evolution, long-term field studies, quantitative genetics, and molecular phylogenetics.
  • Interpret and build phylogenies describing the evolutionary relationships between species.
  • Explain some of the practical applications of evolutionary research, for example in conservation biology.

Generic skills

The subject builds upon generic skills developed in first year level subjects. At the completion of this subject, students should gain skills in:

  • Critical analysis and synthesis of new knowledge;
  • Practical problem solving;
  • Evaluating, interpreting, and presenting data;
  • Searching and evaluating primary scientific literature;
  • Oral communication and presentation skills; and
  • Time management and self-management skills.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

One of

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
BIOL10008 Foundational Biology: Life's Machinery
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
BIOL10009 Biology: Life's Machinery
Not available in 2025
 12.5
BIOL10010 Foundational Biology: Life's Complexity
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
BIOL10011 Biology: Life's Complexity
Not available in 2025
 12.5
BIOM10002 Exploring Biomedicine
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Pre 2021

BIOL10003 - Genes and Environment

BIOL10004 - Biology of Cells and Organisms

BIOL10005 - Genetics and The Evolution of Life

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: 20 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

In-class assessment of interactive problems associated with each fortnightly workshop. 6 submissions (5 best-scoring submissions used to calculate grade, each worth 8%)

  • 500 words (equivalent)
Due in Weeks 2,4,6,8,10,1240%

A written essay on one of three optional topics. 1500 words total

  • 1500 words
Week 720%

Written examination. 2 hours.

  • 2 hours
During the examination period40%

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorDevi Stuart-Fox
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours2 x 1hr lectures per week and 6 x 2hr workshops over the semester (one fortnightly)
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    BIOL-20001@lists.unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 20 March 2025