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EVOL411 Evolution and Biogeography

Updated: 13 May 2010
Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study Online Level
Armidale Semester 2 Off Campus C - Internet access required
Intensive School(s)
Start Finish Attendance Notes
13 September 2010 16 September 2010 Mandatory
Supervised Exam There is a UNE Supervised Examination held at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled.
Pre-requisites candidature in a postgraduate award or candidature in BAdvSc(Hons)
Co-requisites None
Restrictions EVOL211 or EVOL311
Notes None
Combined Units EVOL211 - Evolution and Biogeography
Coordinator(s) Glenda Vaughton (gvaughto@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

Students will study fundamental biological processes and patterns of evolution. This will provide students with a framework for explaining biological diversity, the characteristics of organisms and their distribution in space and time. The evolution and origins of Australian plants and animals is explored.
Prescribed Material
Mandatory 		Text(s):

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material

Evolutionary Analysis
ISBN: 9780132275842
Freeman, S. and Herron, J.C., Pearson Benjamin Cummings 4th ed. 2006
Text refers to: Semester 2 , Off Campus
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Essay 20% 2000
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-3 GA: 1, 2, 4
Powerpoint Presentation 10% 500
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 4-6 GA: 1, 2, 4
Practical work and quizzes 20% 500
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-5 GA: 1, 6
Final Examination 2 hrs 50%
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-7 GA: 1, 2, 6

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. demonstrate how natural selection allows evolutionary change and adaptation of populations;
  2. demonstrate how new species can evolve;
  3. appreciate evolutionary processes taking place at the level of major groups of plants and animals;
  4. demonstrate which factors influence the distribution of animals and plants at local and global levels;
  5. demonstrate origin and evolution of organisms and biological communities on islands;
  6. appreciate the effect of continental drift and climatic changes on the origin and evolution of Australian biota and demonstrate advanced skills in the appraisal and communication of scientific literature of relevance to evolutionary biology

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
Unit materials and learning activities are based on current knowledge in the discipline. Students' ability to apply this knowledge to evolutionary problems is examined in assessment tasks. 		True True True
2 Communication Skills
Written communication skills are taught, practised and assessed in assessment tasks. Oral communication skills are practiced through class discussions. 		True True True
3 Global Perspectives
Students are required to apply a global context to evolutionary problems. 		True
4 Information Literacy
Students are assessed and expected to demonstrate research capacity in written assignments, and utilise a wide range of sources. 		True True
5 Life-Long Learning
Students practice learning skills that will be useful to them beyond the unit of learning. 		True
6 Problem Solving
Students practice and are assessed on their ability to solve biological problems through an understanding of evolutionary principles. 		True True
7 Social Responsibility
Students are expected to practice social responsibility during class discussions and when undertaking group work. 		True
8 Team Work
Students work in teams in class activities, and set ground rules for those activities, as well as coordinate tasks. 		True
   

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