Evolutionary Biology 2

Undergraduate | 2026

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Area/Catalogue
BIOL 2022
Course ID icon
Course ID
200373
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
2
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

This course aims to equip learners with an understanding of the key concepts in contemporary evolutionary biology. The course delves into the fundamental evolutionary mechanisms of mutation, gene flow, genetic drift and natural selection; speciation and macro-evolutionary change; plus essential topics in palaeobiology, including radiations and mass extinctions, and biogeography. Learners will develop the core knowledge and critical thinking skills to engage in the latest debates in evolutionary biology.

  • What Is Evolution?
  • Microevolution: Introduction To Microevolution
  • Microevolution: Genetics Of Natural Selection
  • Macroevolution: Speciation
  • Macroevolution: Phylogenetics
  • Macroevolution: Trait Evolution
  • Biogeography And Phylogeography
  • Palaeontology: History Of Life
  • Palaeontology: Palaeontology
  • Synthesis: Evolution Of Australian Biota

Course learning outcomes

  • Explain the importance of evolutionary studies as a foundation of comparative biology
  • Understand the population-level processes underlying microevolutionary change
  • Understand the processes that shape macroevolutionary change based on extant biotas and the fossil record, and how these relate to classification techniques
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply evolutionary principles to real-world problems
  • Access and synthesise contemporary information in evolutionary biology in written form, and develop skills towards its effective oral communication
  • Demonstrate the collaborative skills needed to participate in and complete undergraduate group work successfully

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A