This course examines biology at a general, conceptual level. Topics include the diversity of life on (and off) Earth, what biology can tell us about human nature, how to understand the role of adaptation and evolutionary theory more generally in the biological sciences and the role of biology in conservation efforts.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:- Understand current conceptual issues in evolutionary biology and genetics;
- Appreciate of some of the methods of philosophy of science; and,
- Critically question scientific orthodoxy.
Other Information
This course can be counted as a Group B course towards a degree of Bachelor of Science.
Indicative Assessment
Two short exercises (1000 words each) each worth 25% of the total mark for the course: total 50%. [Learning Outcomes 1-3]
One essay of 3000 words: 50%. [Learning Outcomes 1-3]
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
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures, and 12 hours of tutorials; and,b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
None.
Assumed Knowledge
Very little actual knowledge will be assumed, but an interest in biology and an ability to pick up a smattering of biology quickly will be assumed. Students who have not taken biology to at least high school level should contact the lecturer before enrolling.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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 |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $3960 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $5100 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7349 | 24 Jul 2023 | 31 Jul 2023 | 31 Aug 2023 | 27 Oct 2023 | In Person | View |