196217

Evolutionary Biology

Understanding the processes and patterns of evolution is central to developing insight into questions of how and why in biology. This course introduces students to the core concepts in evolution, including the geological, biological, phylogenetic and rational evidence for evolution by common descent. Core concepts - including the origins of genetic and phenotypic variation, and micro and macro-evolutionary processes and patterns - will be reinforced and explored in the lab via computer-based simulations and real evolution experiments with digital organisms. Students will be introduced to current theories of human evolution and topics of special interest including the evolution of cooperation and conflict; game theory; the origin of sex; and microbial experimental evolution. Theory will be illustrated, where appropriate, with examples from New Zealand’s native species.

Course code

Qualifications are made up of courses. Some universities call these papers. Each course is numbered using six digits.

196217

Level

The fourth number of the course code shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).

200-level

Credits

Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.

15

Subject

Ecology

Course planning information

Course notes

The final examination will be an online supervised examination using remote invigilation.

All assessment components are compulsory and students must achieve a minimum of 40% in the final exam. Attendance at laboratories is compulsory.

Prerequisite courses

Complete first

You need to complete the above course or courses before moving onto this one.

Restrictions

Similar content
196207

You cannot enrol in this course if you have passed (or are enrolled in) any of the course(s) above as these courses have similar content or content at a higher level.

General progression requirements

You must complete at least 45 credits from 100-level before enrolling in 200-level courses.

Learning outcomes

What you will learn. Knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ll be able to show as a result of successfully finishing this course.

  • 1 Explain and evaluate the evidence for evolution.
  • 2 Describe and interpret how mutation, recombination, migration, genetic drift and natural selection contribute to population change over time.
  • 3 Explain how genetic and environmental factors act in concert to determine evolutionary outcomes, including adaptation, diversification, and the evolution of novelty.
  • 4 Synthesise information learnt throughout the course and apply evolutionary theory across the life sciences.
  • 5 Apply the scientific method to address questions in the field of evolutionary biology.

Learning outcomes can change before the start of the semester you are studying the course in.

Assessments

Assessment Learning outcomes assessed Weighting
Written Assignment 1 2 3 4 5 40%
Test 1 2 3 20%
Exam (centrally scheduled) 1 2 3 4 40%
Participation 5 0%

Assessment weightings can change up to the start of the semester the course is delivered in.

You may need to take more assessments depending on where, how, and when you choose to take this course.

Explanation of assessment types

Computer programmes
Computer animation and screening, design, programming, models and other computer work.
Creative compositions
Animations, films, models, textiles, websites, and other compositions.
Exam College or GRS-based (not centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by a college or the Graduate Research School (GRS). The exam could be online, oral, field, practical skills, written exams or another format.
Exam (centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by Assessment Services (centrally) – you’ll usually be told when and where the exam is through the student portal.
Oral or performance or presentation
Debates, demonstrations, exhibitions, interviews, oral proposals, role play, speech and other performances or presentations.
Participation
You may be assessed on your participation in activities such as online fora, laboratories, debates, tutorials, exercises, seminars, and so on.
Portfolio
Creative, learning, online, narrative, photographic, written, and other portfolios.
Practical or placement
Field trips, field work, placements, seminars, workshops, voluntary work, and other activities.
Simulation
Technology-based or experience-based simulations.
Test
Laboratory, online, multi-choice, short answer, spoken, and other tests – arranged by the school.
Written assignment
Essays, group or individual projects, proposals, reports, reviews, writing exercises, and other written assignments.

Textbooks needed

There are no set texts for this course.