Key facts
UNE unit code: EVOL211
*You are viewing the 2027 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
Evolution is at the centre of biology and a critical component of conservation. In this unit, you build a cohesive understanding of the core concepts and evidence underlying evolutionary biology, integrating topics over timescales from deep time to the present, and into the future. You examine how evolutionary processes generate and maintain biological diversity, including natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow and mutation, and how these mechanisms shape adaptation in populations.
You learn to apply evolutionary thinking to real-world problems such as climate change, species boundaries, conservation and biodiversity. You also develop quantitative and scientific literacy by interpreting data, evaluating primary literature and communicating evolutionary explanations clearly and rigorously. This unit also prepares you for advanced study in ecology, botany, zoology, palaeontology, genetics and evolution.
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. Dates to be advised. |
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:
- explain the mechanisms, constraints and outcomes of evolution in a range of contexts, including adaptation, microevolution and macroevolution;
- apply an integrated knowledge of evolution to test evolutionary relationships and hypotheses about the past and future;
- evaluate and critically analyse information from a range of sources and make logical evolutionary arguments; and
- effectively communicate in written and verbal form using evolutionary conventions.
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. Approximately 10 minutes. 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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