Key facts
UNE unit code: EVOL211
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Are you interested in the ways in which new species emerge? How do plants and animals change and adapt to different environments and population pressures over time?
In this unit you will delve into the fundamental principles of evolutionary processes and patterns of evolution.
Using this as a framework, the unit builds your understanding of how natural selection allows for change and adaptation of populations, emphasising biological diversity, adaptations of organisms and their distribution in space and time.
With a focus on Australian plants and animals, you will also explore the evolution and origin of new species and biological communities on islands, investigating the effects of continental drift and climatic changes.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 2, Online | The Intensive School is mandatory for online students. There will be an optional or non-mandatory fourth day of the Intensive School for those students who wish to take up this option. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence
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 a broad knowledge of the subject by describing how natural selection allows evolutionary change and adaptation of populations;
- demonstrate a broad knowledge of the subject by describing how new species evolve;
- demonstrate a broad understanding of the subject by showing how evolutionary processes take place at the level of major groups of plants and animals; communicate this knowledge to others using written forms;
- demonstrate which factors influence the distribution of animals and plants at local and global levels and by doing so show the ability to analyse information and work autonomously using judgment; and
- demonstrate a broad knowledge of the subject by describing origin and evolution of organisms and biological communities on islands and describing effect of continental drift and climatic changes on the origin and evolution of Australian biota.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Practical Activities - Assurance Task, Oral Presentation - Assurance Task and Final Examination - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. |
| Oral Presentation - Assurance Task | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Presentation and Q&A in person at the Intensive School. No. Words: 1000 equiv. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Practical Activities - Assurance Task, Oral Presentation - Assurance Task and Final Examination - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Practical | Yes | All offerings | The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence | |
| Practical Activities - Assurance Task | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Tasks associated with practicals. No. Words: 1000 equiv. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Practical Activities - Assurance Task, Oral Presentation - Assurance Task and Final Examination - Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| Written assessment | Yes | 15% | All offerings | No. Words: 1000 |
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.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Evolution: Making Sense of Life
ISBN: 9781319322199
Douglas Emlen and Carl Zimmer, W. H. Freeman 3rd Edition 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
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