James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2020

BZ2820 - Evolutionary Biology

Subject Description

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

• explain the basis of, and methods for, studying evolutionary processes
• apply technical, analytical and problem solving skills to investigate and present research on evolutionary biology in oral and written (including online) modes
• critically evaluate, and justify the contributions of, evolutionary processes to understanding ecological patterns of distribution and abundance, and how they lead to the diversity of life

Subject Assessment

• Invigilated > End of semester exam - (50%)
• practical reports, written assignments and on-course work - (50%)

Note that 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.

Assumed Knowledge:  Students enrolling in this subject should have a good understanding of the fundamentals of biology, inheritance and the principles of evolution (BZ1005 or BS1001 or equivalent).

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  AG2005 BZ5420 BZ2420 BZ5820 BS2470 BS5470

Availabilities