Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit develops fundamental knowledge and understanding of the principles of genetics, progressing in parallel with the Foundations of Biology (BVB102), to provide the knowledge base required to comprehend evolutionary theory. These principles are extended to explore and understand the mechanisms and processes that drive evolution in natural populations. This introductory unit provides essential skills and knowledge for further studies in biology and ecology.

Aims

To provide a detailed understanding of evolutionary processes, and their application to the study of the biological world.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you will demonstrate that you can:
1. recognise, describe and interpret the fundamental concepts of genetics and inheritance
2. explain the underlying principles of evolutionary processes
3. critically analyse biological phenomena in an evolutionary framework
4. work collaboratively to communicate scientific principles in genetics and evolution for peer review

Content

The unit is divided into three areas.
- Genetic variation and heredity:
- mutation
- the nature of inheritance
- Evolutionary processes and concepts, for example:
- micro and macro-evolution
- adaptive evolution
- neutral evolution
- co-evolution
- sexual selection
- speciation
- Evolutionary patterns, for example:
- species diversity
- biogeography

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit engages you in learning through an approach that incorporates group work, conducted in collaborative learning spaces, with self-paced independent study and a limited number of traditional lectures. As well as an individual project plan, a portfolio of activities including outcomes from collaborative tutorials, and peer review of another group¿s final artefact, provide progressive opportunities for feedback to improve your learning.

Assessment

In this unit you will be assessed by portfolio summarising a range of activities conducted through the semester, a report outlining the plan for the portfolio, the final project, with peer review of outcomes and reflections on teamwork. It also includes a mid-semester progress test on your knowledge of evolution theory and concepts.Feedback in this unit is provided to you in the following ways:
- You will be receive ongoing feedback on conceptual understanding from tutors and peers in collaborative tutorials via a range of formative exercises
- You receive comments on summative assessment items (mid semester progress test and portfolio plan) in addition to criteria sheets
- You will be provided with generic comments back to the cohort via QUT Blackboard in addition to individual and group feedback on the final project portfolio
- As part of the unit design, you will receive formal feedback from peers on your project/portfolio and self reflection on peer feedback to develop and improve your learning

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: The progress test will include multiple choice and short answer questions requiring identification, description and interpretation of evolutionary theory and concepts. It examines your understanding of the content of the first half of the semester.
Relates to objectives: 1 and 2
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid semester

Assessment name: Report
Description: You will present a plan that demonstrates preparation for your final portfolio project consisting of: an annotated bibliography, a group contract with agreed allocation of tasks and evidence of contribution to group work.
Relates to objectives: 3 and 4
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Mid semester

Assessment name: Portfolio
Description: Record of outcomes from tutorials;
Reflections on team work;
Peer review of final project outcome;
Final artieact demonstrating ability to critically analyse biological phenomena in evolutionary framework
Relates to objectives: 2, 3 and 4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Late semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

To be supplied.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. You will be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first few lectures. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on a lecturer's instruction, you should leave the room and assemble in the designated area which will be indicated to you. You should be conscious of your health and safety at all times whilst on campus or in the field.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 20-Sep-2012