Key facts
UNE unit code: ZOOL100
*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Trace the story of the evolution of life on earth over the last 500 million years and learn about diverse aspects of evolution within the context of a constantly changing world.
In this unit you will explore major transitions in the history of life, from the earliest lifeforms, to the vertebrate invasion of land, the emergence of dinosaurs and the origin of humans.
Extend your understanding of the forces that have shaped the complexity of life we see today as you discuss evolution, framed by major climatic shifts and extinction events.
Delving into the ways in which animals interact with other organisms (including humans) to maximise their survival, dispersal and reproductive success, you will also develop broad knowledge of the major fauna currently found on Earth’s continents and oceans.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 4 | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 1, On Campus, Armidale Campus; Trimester 1, Online | Dates to be advised. The intensive school is mandatory for all students. |
| TBA | TBA | 4 | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 3, Online | Dates to be advised. The intensive school is mandatory for all students. |
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 an understanding and explain the fundamental concepts of evolutionary theory, including life's major evolutionary events, with evidence from the fossil record;
- demonstrate an understanding of and explain how animals (past and present) interact with each other, other species, (including humans) and the important roles animals play in a variety of habitats and ecosystems;
- retrieve and communicate information on natural history and the fossil record and communicate it to others in a range of written forms;
- demonstrate skills in observation and interpretation by applying fundamental field natural history techniques to study animal behaviours in both natural and domestic environments;
- demonstrate an awareness of and identify some of the ethical, cultural and social issues involved in acquiring knowledge in natural history.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Yes | 30% | All offerings | No. Words: 1500 |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 40% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Practical Quizzes – 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 Quizzes - Assurance Task | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Practical quizzes delivered in three parts, either throughout the trimester (on campus students) or at the intensive school (online students), each worth 10%. No. Words: 1800 To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across Practical Quizzes – Assurance Task, and Final Examination – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
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: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Campbell Biology: Australian and New Zealand edition
ISBN: 9781488626241
Reece J.B. and others, , Pearson 12th ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
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