James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2014

BZ5820 - Evolutionary Biology

Credit points: 03
Year: 2014
Student Contribution Band: Band 2
Administered by: School of Marine & Tropical Biology (pre 2015)

Postgraduate Diploma of Research Methods, Master of Applied Science, Graduate Diploma of Science, Graduate Certificate of Science, Master of Science, Graduate Certificate of Research Methods, Bachelor of Science (Advanced), Graduate Certificate of Development Practice and Graduate Diploma of Development Practice.

Evolution is the dominate process in the development of life on earth. It influences every aspect of an organisms form and behaviour. This subject examines the evolutionary processes that have given rise to the diversity of life on earth; including the diversification and adaptation of populations to their surrounding environments and the rise of new species. Theory and techniques derived from Evolutionary Biology underpin many other field in biology and are being increasingly used in the conservation and management of threatened species and ecosystems. Knowledge of evolutionary processes is therefore essential for understanding and predicting how organisms will respond to increasing anthropogenic pressures.

Learning Outcomes

Assumed
Knowledge:
Students enrolling in this subject should have an understanding of the fundamentals of biology, inheritance and the principles of evolution as described in (BZ1006 or BZ1001) and basic background in chemistry.
Inadmissible
Subject
Combinations:
AG2005 BZ5420 BZ2420 BZ2820

Availabilities

Cairns, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 27-Mar-2014
Coordinator: Dr Brad Congdon
Contact hours:
  • 26 hours lectures
  • 30 hours practicals - Practical and computer workshops
    Assessment:practical reports, written assignments and on-course tests (50%); centrally-administered final exam (50%).

    Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.