Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

The historical development of evolutionary ideas and the processes of natural selection as currently understood. Theories and techniques of reconstructing evolutionary history and the use of these approaches as tools for addressing practical problems. The history of life on earth and the role of evolutionary events such as mass extinctions and adaptive radiations in that history. Developmental and genetic processes in evolutionary change. Adaptation in the natural world.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students will learn the historical development of the theory of evolution and the evidence for the occurrence of evolution; understand the fundamental processes of evolution; be familiar with the major evolutionary events in the history of life, including chemical origins, emergence of eukaryotes, metazoans, and vertebrates, and mass extinctions; and understand the principles of classifying organic diversity and the techniques for inferring the evolutionary relationships of organisms.

Assessment

Mid-semester theory examination (2 hours): 25%
Final theory examination (2 hours): 25%
Practical assignments: 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Martin Burd

Contact hours

Two 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour practical or equivalent

Prerequisites

BIO1011 and either BIO1022 or BIO1042