BIOSCI 210 : Evolution and the Origin of Life

Science

2023 Semester Two (1235) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

Covers basic concepts in evolutionary biology including Darwin and the theory of evolution by natural selection, phylogenetics, population genetics, molecular evolution, speciation and extinction. The extent to which Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection can explain the origins of biological complexity is explored.

Course Overview

In this course, we explore the origins of, and mechanisms that have created, the incredible diversity and complexity in the biological world. We discuss theories for the origin of life, multicellularity & sex, explore evidence of the theory of evolution, and learn about mechanisms of evolutionary change & adaptation, the origin of species, including our own, and the relationships between species. We also explore how we can use evolutionary methods to understand the evolution and diversity of human language and culture. Finally, we explore evolution & society, and critically evaluate science in the media. 

This course covers concepts that underlie all of Biology, and will help you to understand why the biological world is the way it is, and the rules we think govern it. You will enroll in the course because you have a fascination for understanding the incredible diversity and complexity in the biological world. The course is designed for students with a good groundwork and knowledge of evolution (i.e. from BIOSCI 109) and who are curious about the natural world. Additional preparation before you begin the class is not required. 

This course is a key paper in the Bachelor of Biological Sciences evolution and zoology pathways (see https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/find-a-study-option/biological-sciences/undergraduate/bsc-biological-science-from-2019.html) but would be a valuable addition to any other Biological Sciences major, as well as to any student who shares a curiosity for understanding the generation of biological diversity, including the origin of our own species.

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: BIOSCI 109, and 15 points from BIOSCI 101-108

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 6: Social and Environmental Responsibilities
Graduate Profile: Bachelor of Science

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Describe the scientific and factual basis of the theory of evolution, including the quantity and diversity of evidence supporting the theory (Capability 1 and 2)
  2. Describe fundamental ideas regarding the organisation of life, and the relationships between species (Capability 1 and 2)
  3. Describe the major transitions in the evolution of life (Capability 1 and 2)
  4. Assess ideas regarding the natural world (Capability 2)
  5. Apply evolutionary thinking to observations of the natural world (Capability 1, 2 and 3)
  6. Assess media coverage of scientific findings (Capability 2 and 6)
  7. Work collaboratively in pairs and groups to generate, interpret and assess results (Capability 4)
  8. Describe and contrast both adaptive and non-adaptive mechanisms of evolution (Capability 1 and 2)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Lab Reports 30% Individual Coursework
Presentation 4% Group Coursework
Quizzes 36% Individual Coursework
Final Exam 30% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Lab Reports
Presentation
Quizzes
Final Exam

Tuākana

Tuākana Science is a multi-faceted programme for Māori and Pacific students providing topic specific tutorials, one-on-one sessions, test and exam preparation and more. Explore your options at
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/study-with-us/pacific-in-our-faculty.html
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/study-with-us/maori-in-our-faculty.html

For more information and to find contact details for the BIOSCI210 Tuākana coordinator, please see https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/study-with-us/maori-and-pacific-at-the-faculty/tuakana-programme.html

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.

For this course, you can expect 31 hours of lectures, 12 hours of labs, 4 hours of tutorials, 40 hours of reading and thinking about the content and 40 hours of work on assignments and/or test preparation.

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is required at scheduled activities including laboratories to complete components of the course.

Lectures will be taught on campus and be available as recordings. Other learning activities including tutorials will not be available as recordings. The course will not include live online events.

The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.


Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

There is no prescribed textbook but depending on the topic, we use a range of recommended textbooks. The most comprehensive recommended textbook is 'Evolution' by Stearns and Hoekstra, which is on short loan at the library. 
Recommended:
Evolution: an introduction, 2nd Ed. 2005, by S. Stearns and R. Hoekstra, Oxford Uni Press. Library: 576.8 S79 2005 (also 1st Ed. 576.8 S79)
Evolution, 1st Ed. 2005, 2nd Ed. 2009, 3rd Ed. 2013, 4th Ed. 2017, D. Futuyma, Sinauer. Library: 576.8 F99e / 576.8 F99e 2009 / 576.8 F99e 2013
Evolution, 3rd Ed., 2005, M. Ridley, Blackwell. Library: 576.8 R54e 2004 (also 1st Ed. 576.8 R54e and 2nd Ed. 576.8 R54e 1996)

Student Feedback

During the course Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the staff responsible for the course and staff-student consultative committees.

At the end of the course students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback.

Your feedback helps to improve the course and its delivery for all students.

Staff welcome feedback on the course throughout the semester, including the SET evaluations. Please contact your course coordinator or student representative at any time with your feedback.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Copyright

The content and delivery of content in this course are protected by copyright. Material belonging to others may have been used in this course and copied by and solely for the educational purposes of the University under license.

You may copy the course content for the purposes of private study or research, but you may not upload onto any third party site, make a further copy or sell, alter or further reproduce or distribute any part of the course content to another person.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption, we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and course assessment continues to meet the principles of the University’s assessment policy. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator/director, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the university website for information about how to proceed.

The delivery mode may change depending on COVID restrictions. Any changes will be communicated through Canvas.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course students may be asked to submit coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.

Published on 28/10/2022 10:23 a.m.