Course Title: Evolution

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Evolution

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Akane Uesugi

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7348

Course Coordinator Email: akane.uesugi@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Bundoora Campus

Course Coordinator Availability: by email appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Assumed Knowledge
You will find that knowledge of introductory biology and statistics is important and will be an advantage, as will completion of courses in plant and animal identification, structure and function, and data analysis. 


Course Description

“Nothing in biology makes sense except in light of evolution” – T. Dobzhansky. This course provides a broad introduction to evolutionary biology and ecology, and how evolution and ecology together shape species’ adaptation to environments, biological diversity and distribution, species interactions, population and community dynamics, and ecosystem processes.  

You will learn fundamental theory and concepts in evolution and ecology and apply your knowledge to current environmental problems through group discussion and practical fieldwork. This course will build your critical thinking and communication skills, teamwork, and empirical and quantitative skills. 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes
This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following programs:  

BP350 Bachelor of Science 

  • PLO 1: Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of scientific theories, principles, concepts and practice in one or more scientific disciplines.  
  • PLO 2: Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence using methods, technical skills, tools and emerging technologies in a range of scientific activities. 
  • PLO 3: Analyse and apply principles of scientific inquiry and critical evaluation to address real-world scientific challenges and inform evidence-based decision making.
  • PLO 4: Communicate, report and reflect on scientific findings, to diverse audiences utilising a variety  of formats employing integrity and culturally safe practices.  
  • PLO 5: Work independently, with agility, safety, and accountability for own learning and professional future.  
  • PLO 6: Collaborate and contribute within diverse, multi-disciplinary teams, with commitment to  diversity, equity and globally inclusive  perspectives and practices including First Nations knowledges and input. 

BP192 Bachelor of Environmental Science 

  • PLO 1: Apply an interdisciplinary knowledge of scientific theories, principles, concepts, and practices in the environmental sciences. 
  • PLO 2: Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence through research with reflection on the role, relevance and significance of environmental science. 
  • PLO 3: Apply principles of scientific inquiry, tools, and techniques relevant to environmental science to solve problems informed by evidence-based decision making. 
  • PLO 4: Critically evaluate and communicate concepts and practice relevant to the fields of environmental science to diverse audiences utilising a variety of modes employing integrity and culturally safe practices. 
  • PLO 5: Work independently, with agility, safety, and accountability for your own learning and professional future. 
  • PLO 6: Demonstrate knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to environmental science and exhibit safe and ethical conduct. 


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:  

  1. Identify the key processes of evolution (natural selection, genetic drift and gene flow), and ecological drivers of adaptation and speciation (PLO 1, 3). 
  2. Explain the mechanisms of population, community and ecosystem dynamics, and major factors affecting environmental degradation, management of species and habitat, and ecosystem health (PLO 1, 3). 
  3. Design appropriate experiments and/or survey methods to investigate ecological and evolutionary hypotheses that are grounded in theory (PLO 2, 3). 
  4. Analyse and critically evaluate ecological data (PLO 4, 5, 6). 
     


Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities required for this course are: 

  • Attendance at lectorials and practicals, where you will actively engage in class discussion. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.  
  • Completion of assignments and practical projects designed to give further practice in the application of theory and procedure, and to give feedback on your progress and understanding. 
  • Completion of written assignments requiring an integrated understanding of the subject matter. 
  • Private study, working through the course material as presented in classes and learning materials, and gaining practice at solving conceptual and numerical problems. 

You will be actively engaged in a mix of self-directed online and timetabled, face-to-face learning activities (lectures, tutorials, practicals, etc.) Prior to attending the timetabled, face-to-face sessions you will be expected to have completed the specified online activities. 

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through RMIT Student Website. 


Overview of Learning Resources

You will be provided with lists of relevant texts, library resources (including appropriate journal articles) and freely accessible internet sites. Other material will be provided via the course Canvas site. 

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through RMIT Student Website. 

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the RMIT Student Website. 


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks 

Assessment Task 1: Quizzes 
Weighting 20%  
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 4 

Assessment Task 2: Field reports
Weighting 40% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2, 3 & 4  

Assessment Task 3: Written assignment  
Weighting 40% 
This assessment task supports CLOs 1, 2 & 4 

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.