Key facts
UNE unit code: PHIL509
*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2024
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
In recent decades, the interdisciplinary field of the philosophy of biology has flourished, as philosophers and biologists have explored the conceptual foundations of biological science, as well as its implications for humans and our place in the world.
This unit is an introduction to conceptual, methodological, metaphysical and epistemological problems in biology and evolutionary theory.
You will begin by examining the received Darwinian view of evolution and the history of life, then consider some of the implications of and challenges to aspects of that view, including debates around Intelligent Design, teleology, the units of selection, the metaphysics of species, punctuated equilibrium, evolution and progress, genetics and reductionism, and evolution and ethics.
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of the received view of evolution and the history of life, and the important critiques of it;
- develop and defend sophisticated arguments in connection with the debates about central topics in the philosophy of biology; and
- apply expert research skills, expert judgement and initiative to write coherent, clear, critical essays, with a significant degree of originality and independence of thought.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Essay | Yes | 60% | All offerings | No. Words: 4500 |
Take Home Exam | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.