Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit covers the basic principles of evolutionary theory with special emphasis on the mechanisms that generate the diversity of life. It examines the genetic structure of populations, factors that maintain variation within populations and causes of divergence among populations, the origin of species and methods of phylogenetic analysis. The emphasis is on the integration of fundamental concepts, approaches to solving problems and the application of evolutionary ideas and methods to questions in fields such as ecology, behaviour, conservation biology and systematics.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Semester 1AlbanyFace to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 core unit in the Conservation Biology; Genetics; Zoology; Botany; Wildlife Conservation; Biodiversity and Evolution; Plant Biology major sequences
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) define and discuss the terminology of population and quantitative genetics; (2) solve problems by applying basic principles in population and quantitative genetics; (3) analyse data effectively using appropriate statistical methods; (4) formulate questions clearly and evaluate evidence critically; (5) synthesise ideas and concepts to demonstrate deeper understanding and knowledge integration of population genetics and quantitative genetics principles; and (6) communicate clearly and concisely, demonstrating comprehension of the topic.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) laboratory report & validation test; (2) discussion group presentation & essays; and (3) final exam. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Jason Kennington and Associate Professor Joseph Tomkins
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
MATH1721 Mathematics Foundations: Methods
or SCIE1500 Analytical Methods for Scientists
and
BIOL1130 Frontiers in Biology
or GENE2250 Principles of Inheritance
and
SCIE1104 Science, Society and Data Analysis
or STAT1400 Statistics for Science
or STAX1400 Statistics for Science
Incompatibility
ANIM3362 Evolutionary Processes
Contact hours
lectures/practicals/discussion groups: average 5 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.