This online course will develop students’ scientific reasoning, writing and reflection skills through a structured program of activities. Students will engage in a cycle of analysis, writing and reporting on contemporary biological literature to evaluate argument, methodology, evidence and claims. This will build to a critical investigation and evaluation of selected research contexts to compare and contrast the diverse research and theory approaches used in contemporary biology. This course will expose students through specific biological contexts to deeply consider:

• the nature of science; 
• the contestability of scientific knowledge;
• science as a profession, enacted by real people;
• how scientist evaluate evidence through critical reading & analysis;
• how scientists collect, use and communicate evidence to develop and support arguments.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will be able to:

1. Engage in an independent investigation and evaluation of selected biology research topics.
2. Critically analyse and evaluate research literature and communicate the significant research findings.
3. Apply and reflect on professional and personal standards of conduct in undertaking and communicating scientific research.
4. Use a range of genres to communicate scientific research and information effectively.

Research-Led Teaching

This is a fully online course that supports students to develop skills and experience in critically analysing literature. By focussing on controversies in evolution, it shows students that research is not just collecting facts but constructing arguments. Since evolution is a historical science, it also shows how different research methods and strategies are used in biology, depending on the question being asked. Students will analyse the ways in which scientists use and evaluate different types of evidence. They will analyse literature and develop their own questions on controversial issues. There will be a strong emphasis on independent study and writing. Throughout the course, students will gain experience of writing in different formats and presenting and supporting their own arguments and ideas. The aim is for them to develop professional judgment in analysing and evaluating controversial issues.

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments on assignments
• feedback to whole class through the discussion board

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Please note, that where there are multiple assessment tasks of the same type, e.g weekly quizzes, a date range is used in the Assessment Summary. The first date is the approximate due date of the first task, the return date is the approximate return date for the final task. Further information is provided in the assessment section of the class summary, and details are provided on the course wattle site.

Adjustments to delivery in 2020

Course delivery and assessment in 2020 was adjusted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Main changes to this course comprised adjustments to assignment due dates. For details see the course Wattle site.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction to evolution and the nature of science; weeks 1-3	Quiz, think piece and literature analysis assignment
2	The origin of eukaryotes controversy and phylogenetics, past and present; weeks 4-6	Quiz, think piece and literature analysis assignment
3	Analysis of an evolutionary controversy of your choosing; weeks 7-12	Quiz, think piece, literature analysis assignment and essay

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Quizzes (x3)	15 %	*	*	1,2
Think pieces (x3)	26 %	*	*	2,3,4
Literature analysis assignments (x3)	25 %	*	*	1,3,4
Essay	30 %	01/06/2023	30/06/2023	1,2,3,4
Learning reflections	4 %	*	*	3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Examination(s)

There is no exam for this course.

Assessment Task 1

Quizzes (x3)

There will be three quizzes (one for each module) worth 5% each. The timetable is available on the Wattle site.

Quiz 1 due: 5.3.23

Quiz 2 due: 26.3.23

Quiz 3: due 30.4.23

Assessments are usually returned 1 week from submission.

Assessment Task 2

Think pieces (x3)

Think pieces are short opinion pieces (400 words); there is one for each of the three modules, worth 5%, 7% and 8%. You will be provided with a prompt question based on the readings for each module. For each think piece, there is an additional 2% for self and peer review. Information on marking criteria and how to review will be provided on the Wattle site.

Think piece 1 due: 12.3.23

Think piece 2 due: 4.4.23

Think piece 3: due 14.5.23

Assessments are usually returned 1 week from submission.

Assessment Task 3

Literature analysis assignments (x3)

Literature analysis assignments provide you with a structured approach to analysing papers; there will be one for each module, worth 10%,10% and 5%. You will answer questions about specific papers that will be provided on Wattle.

Literature analysis 1 due: 19.3.23

Literature analysis 2 due: 23.4.23

Literature analysis 3 due: 21.5.23

Assessments are usually returned 1 week from submission.

Assessment Task 4

Essay

You will choose an evolutionary controversy and write an essay analysing the evidence that forms the basis for the controversy. An essay outline worth 5% will be submitted first and you will get feedback on this before writing the essay. The essay is worth 25%; guidelines and a marking rubric will be available on Wattle.

Assessment Task 5

Learning reflections

At the beginning and end of the course, you will write a short reflection on your expectations and learning. Each will be worth 2%.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

All assignments will be returned with marks and feedback through Wattle, usually 1 week after submission.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students