This intermediate level course introduces the field of philosophy of biology and explores key questions within the contemporary discipline such as the nature and diversity of life on (and off) Earth, what biology can tell us about human nature, the explanatory power of natural selection, the role of modelling in the biological sciences and the extension of evolutionary thinking to the cultural and technological domain. The course draws on material in both philosophy and the life sciences including evolutionary biology, psychology and ecology and students collaborate across these disciplines. Real-life challenges such as the allocation of resources in ecology and conservation biology, the appropriate interpretation of human genetic analyses are engaged with.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- critically evaluate arguments in the philosophy of biology, and analyse its core concepts, assumptions, and implications to an intermediate standard;
- examine and describe major philosophical issues, theories, and positions in the philosophy of biology to an intermediate standard;
- articulate and defend written arguments for and against positions using rationally persuasive argumentation to an intermediate standard;
- apply philosophical ideas and arguments creatively to devise innovative solutions addressing fundamental issues and real-world challenges such as the allocation of resources in ecology and conservation biology, and the appropriate interpretation of human genetic analyses; and
- engage in well-reasoned oral discussion and debate, substantiating viewpoints with justified arguments in the philosophy of biology to an intermediate standard.
Other Information
This course can be counted as a Group B course towards a degree of Bachelor of Science.
Indicative Assessment
- Reading response quizzes (5 minutes, weekly in-class) (10) [LO 1,3]
- Workshop Participation (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Short written assignment (1000 words) (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Long written assignment (2000 words) (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
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
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of workshop participation over 12 weeks.
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.
Majors
Minors
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 |
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.
