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Evolution and the Human Condition (ZOOL30004)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Online
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location in first half year 2021.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Please refer to the specific study period for contact information.
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 - Online |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
Is Darwin’s extraordinary idea relevant for our species? The subject highlights the power of Darwin’s theory of the evolution of adaptation by natural (and sexual) selection for understanding our origins and the present human condition, with an emphasis on exploring the claim that we cannot fully appreciate anthropogenic systems in the absence of an evolutionary perspective. The subject briefly examines the recent evolutionary history of hominids and highlights the challenges and significance of distinguishing between nature and nurture in shaping contemporary life-histories and behaviour. The subject focusses especially on the application of evolutionary theory to informing our understanding and management of global anthropogenic issues, including antibiotic, insecticide and other forms of resistance; vaccines and viruses; pathogen virulence; response to selection arising from environmental change, including pollution and climate; and the management of natural resources. Classes combine lectures and tutorials, and there is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between unsubstantiated conjecture and concepts that are supported by rigorous science.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- articulate an evolutionary perspective on human origins, life history and behaviour;
- critically evaluate critically conceptual and empirical approaches to evolutionary explanations of human and anthropogenic systems, and to apply an appropriate approach to an unfamiliar problem;
- explain evolutionary perspectives on human and anthropogenic systems to general audiences in a written format;
- articulate different forms of biological data and how to make inferences from them;
- conduct an effective literature search and synthesise findings and critique a given topic in evolutionary biology; and
- evaluate the written work of peers to gain experience in preparedness for the workplace.
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: 22 January 2021
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: 22 January 2021
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
A written opinion piece (essay)
| Week 10 | 30% |
Multiple choice quiz via online polling held in every lecture (grade drawn from best 15 scores)
| Throughout the semester | 10% |
Two reviews of anonymous student opinion pieces
| Week 8 | 10% |
Six online text annotation tasks, every second week of the teaching period
| Throughout the teaching period | 20% |
Written online open-book examination
| During the examination period | 30% |
Last updated: 22 January 2021
Please refer to the Return to Campus page for information on subject delivery modes in First Half Year 2021 (including Summer Term and Semester 1).
Dates & times
- Semester 1 - Online
Principal coordinator Mark Elgar Coordinator Theresa Jones Mode of delivery Online 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 1 March 2021 to 30 May 2021 Last self-enrol date 12 March 2021 Census date 31 March 2021 Last date to withdraw without fail 7 May 2021 Assessment period ends 25 June 2021 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Last updated: 22 January 2021
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 Genetics Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI Major Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Major Zoology Major Zoology Informal specialisation Zoology Major Genetics Informal specialisation Elective subjects for B-BMED Informal specialisation Zoology Breadth Track Ecology, Evolution and Humanity - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- 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: 22 January 2021