Evolution and the Human Condition
Subject ZOOL30004 (2011)
Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.
| Credit Points: | 12.50 | ||||||||||||
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| Level: | 3 (Undergraduate) | ||||||||||||
| Dates & Locations: | This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011: 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 level 2 life sciences subjects, or by arrangement with the coordinator. | ||||||||||||
| Corequisites: | None | ||||||||||||
| Recommended Background Knowledge: | None | ||||||||||||
| Non Allowed Subjects: | None | ||||||||||||
| Core Participation Requirements: | For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/ |
Coordinator
Prof Mark ElgarContact
Email: ZOOL30004@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 provide 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 (40%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (60%). |
| 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: |
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Genetics Reproduction and Development (pre-2008 Bachelor of Science) Science credit subjects* for pre-2008 BSc, BASc and combined degree science courses Zoology |
| Related Breadth Track(s): |
Ecology, Evolution and Humanity |
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