BI2S209 - Evolutionary Biology Seminar 01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2028 | Version 2
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | BI2S209 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Evolutionary Biology Seminar | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science | ||
| Faculty Group: | Applied Sciences | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Biological Sciences | ||
| Module Leader: | Tracie McKinney | ||
| Module Team: | Cerith Jones | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | 2027 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 20 | Credit Level: | 5 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 100345 - biological sciences | 100850 - population biology | 100858 - evolution |
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 20 | 20 | 60 |
Document Version Information
| Version | 2 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2023 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
Module Aims
This is a bespoke module for the BSc Biology course, designed to develop students’ understanding of evolutionary theory introduced in Y1. Because it houses only one student cohort, the module will have relatively low enrolment and therefore offers a perfect opportunity to use seminar-style teaching and encourage deep engagement from students. The module also introduces topics of debate within current biology, which allows for independent student research and an ability to argue a position with scholarly support.
In engaging with the module appropriately, students will fully achieve the following level-appropriate Behaviour Domains of the USW Graduate Attributes:
Communication: Behavioural domains 1, 2 and 3
Leadership: Behavioural domains 1 and 2
Innovation and Enterprise: Behavioural domains 1, 2, and 3
Project Management: Behavioural domain 2
The Capabilities associated with these behaviours are found in the Graduate Attributes table at the end of the descriptor.
Content Summary
The module advance student’s understandings of evolutionary theory, including natural selection, genetic drift and gene flow, and other primary forces of evolution. We will discuss the nature of scientific theories and the discoveries leading up to the modern evolutionary synthesis.
Further topics may include:
- micro and macroevolution
- convergent and parallel evolution
- the biological species concept (and others)
- phylogeny and cladistics
- problems defining species
- species diversity
- types of speciation
- hybrid zones and hybridization
- extinction
- rates of evolution
- the evolutionary “arms race”
- artificial selection
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Seminar | 36 |
| Independent Study | 92 |
| Directed Study | 60 |
| Flexible Delivery | 12 |
| Total Hours Selected | 200 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Understand the principles underlying evolutionary biology, including natural selection and adaptation, the species concept, and the nature of scientific theories. |
| LO2 | Critically evaluate conflicting ideas within the field of evolutionary biology and argue your position with scholarly support. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Learning agreement/contracts 1 | Leadership and engagement with student-led seminar sessions | 0 | N/A | 50 | No | 40 |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Essay 1 | Argumentative essay | 0 | 2000 | 50 | No | 40 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Learning agreement/contracts 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Essay 1 | ✔ | ✔ | |