Handbook home
Evolution and the Human Condition (ZOOL30004)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
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.
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
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: 5 August 2020
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: 5 August 2020
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
A written essay (no more than 1100 words), and three double blind reviews (no more than 500 words per review) | During the teaching period | 40% |
Multiple choice quiz via online polling in every lecture (15%, drawn from best 15 assessments) | Throughout the semester | 15% |
2-hour written examination | During the examination period | 45% |
Last updated: 5 August 2020
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Mark Elgar 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 2 March 2020 to 7 June 2020 Last self-enrol date 13 March 2020 Census date 30 April 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 June 2020 Assessment period ends 3 July 2020 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Last updated: 5 August 2020
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 Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Major Genetics Informal specialisation Zoology Major Zoology Informal specialisation Genetics Major Genetics Major Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI Major Zoology Informal specialisation Zoology 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.
- 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: 5 August 2020