Evolution and the Human Condition
Subject ZOOL30004 (2010)
Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.
| Credit Points: | 12.50 | ||||||||||||
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| Level: | 3 (Undergraduate) | ||||||||||||
| Dates & Locations: | This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010: Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Lectures and tutorials/excusions/practical work. Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here. | ||||||||||||
| Time Commitment: | Contact Hours: 2 x one hour lectures per week; 16 hours excursion, tutorial or practical work during the semester Total Time Commitment: Estimated total time commitment of 120 hours | ||||||||||||
| Prerequisites: | 25 points of second year level life sciences subjects, or by arrangement with the coordinator. | ||||||||||||
| Corequisites: | None | ||||||||||||
| Recommended Background Knowledge: | None | ||||||||||||
| Non Allowed Subjects: | None | ||||||||||||
| Core Participation Requirements: | It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a subject are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit. |
Coordinator
Prof Mark ElgarContact
Email: 654307@zoology.unimelb.edu.au| Subject Overview: |
This subject explores the significance of contemporary evolutionary theory to our understanding of human biology. Specific topics include the theory of natural and sexual selection; primate speciation and the fossil record; the evolution of language; the role of genetics and environment in shaping the human condition; the relevance of evolutionary theory for understanding the life-history traits, and the sexual and social behaviour of humans; the evolution of pathogen virulence and immune responses, and the application of evolutionary theory to understanding medical, veterinary, primary production and environmental practices.
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| Objectives: | This subject aims to provides students with an understanding of the evolution of adaptation by natural selection; an appreciation of the phylogenetic place of humans among primates; and knowledge of how evolutionary theory might resolve questions about the human condition. |
| Assessment: |
Written essays and/or excursion report of up to 2000 words due during the semester (35%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (65%). |
| Prescribed Texts: | None |
| Breadth Options: | This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses: You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects. |
| Fees Information: | Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date |
| Generic Skills: | The subject builds upon existing generic skills, including an ability to assimilate and critically evaluate new knowledge within a scientific paradigm, and to communicate that knowledge to a broad audience. |
| Notes: |
This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course. |
| Related Course(s): |
Bachelor of Science |
| Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: |
Behavioural Ecology Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Genetics Genetics Reproduction and Development Reproductive Physiology Wildlife and Conservation Zoology |
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