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
Degree list
The following degrees include this course