James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

BS5470 - Evolution

Subject Description

Evolution is the dominant process in the development of life on earth. It influences every aspect of an organism's form and behaviour, and therefore is important for every field of biology, from marine and terrestrial biology and ecology through to conservation, aquaculture, molecular genetics, and even human health. 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 fields 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 and global change.

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

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (40%) - Individual
• Oral > Presentation 1 - (15%) - Individual
• Written > Examination (College administered) - (15%) - Individual
• Written > Workbook - (30%) - Individual

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 must have a basic understanding of Genetics and Evolution which includes knowledge of the fundamentals of biology, DNA structure, the principles of inheritance and microevolutionary processes. Students will have completed an undergraduate subject equivalent to BS1001 or will have acquired equivalent knowledge through industry experience. Students should have the ability to use R for data analysis or have done the JCU R Bootcamp, which can be found on LearnJCU under Organisations in the CSE_Refresh folder.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  BS2470, AG2005, BZ2420, BZ5420, BZ2820, BZ5820

Availabilities