The spectacular plant and animal biodiversity on Earth has been generated by the basic phenomena of mutation and natural selection that in turn feed in to the speciation process. This course explores the principles and processes that underpin evolution, using examples drawn from plants and animals. Topics covered in this course will include: phylogenetics and the history of life, natural selection and adaptation, evolutionary processes including mutation and genetic drift, molecular evolution, speciation, coevolution and macroevolution. This course will be taught interactively through lectures, workshops and tutorials. 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.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, 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 communicate the findings both orally and in writing.
Indicative Assessment
- Theory Exams: There will be two theory exams that cover the lecture component of the course (50% in total, 25% each: LO 1-2).
- Practical Reports: There will be several practical sessions that will require submission of a (25%: LO 3-4)
- Group presentation (25%: LO 3-4)
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
Three lectures per week, 5 - 6 x 3 hour practical or tutorial sessions.Requisite and Incompatibility
Assumed Knowledge
BIOL1009 is highly recommendedSpecialisations
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 |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $3444 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $4590 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9584 | 24 Jul 2017 | 31 Jul 2017 | 31 Aug 2017 | 27 Oct 2017 | In Person | N/A |