The spectacular plant and animal biodiversity on Earth, and the amazing adaptations of species to their various ways of life, are the products of evolution. This course explores the principles and processes that drive evolutionary change, using examples drawn from plants and animals. Importantly, the course explores the methods and approaches that can be used to understand evolutionary processes and reconstruct evolutionary history. Topics covered in this course will include: phylogeny and the history of life, natural selection and adaptation, mutation and genetic drift, molecular evolution, speciation, coevolution, macroevolution, and human evolution. This course is taught interactively through lectures and workshops. Students will examine the milestone research studies that identified the basic principles and processes in evolutionary change, and the most recent experimental and genetic tools to test hypotheses concerning the evolution of life.
Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Examine, summarise and integrate central ideas underpinning evolutionary patterns and processes from the molecular to the macro scale.
- Analyse the role of observation, pattern, experimentation and modelling in the generation and testing of evolutionary hypotheses.
- Critically evaluate scientific evidence for and against evolutionary patterns and processes.
- Conduct basic evolutionary research and effectively communicate the findings both orally and in writing.
- Recognize and describe the strengths and weaknesses of a case study in evolutionary research
Indicative Assessment
- Theory Exams: There will be two theory exams that cover the lecture component of the course (25% each). (50) [LO 1,2]
- Practical Reports: There will be several practical sessions that will require submission of a report (16) [LO 3,4]
- Group presentation (8) [LO 3,4]
- Computer workshop report (8) [LO 3,4]
- Critical essay (18) [LO 1,2,3,5]
In response to COVID-19: Please note that Semester 2 Class Summary information (available under the classes tab) is as up to date as possible. Changes to Class Summaries not captured by this publication will be available to enrolled students via Wattle.
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 3 x 1 hour lectures per week (total 36 hours). 5-6 x 3 hours of practical or workshop sessions throughout the semester.
- Approximately 70 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Biology Teaching and Learning Centre to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
Nil
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $4050 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $5760 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8691 | 27 Jul 2020 | 03 Aug 2020 | 31 Aug 2020 | 30 Oct 2020 | In Person | View |