ENV BIOL 4040A - Advanced Evolution and Palaeobiology (Hons) Pt 1

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2020

This course is part of the Honours in Evolution and Palaeobiology degree and runs in parallel with ENV BIOL 4055A/B Honours Evolution and Palaeobiology Project. The aim of this course is to help you build essential research, critical thinking and science communication skills. You will develop and improve your ability to synthesise and review the scientific literature, present oral summaries of your research project, and develop technical and analytical skills involved with data analysis and interpretation. In carrying out these tasks you will develop an ability to collect and evaluate information, dissect complex ideas, identify gaps in knowledge, develop an interesting viewpoint, assemble a persuasive argument and draw valid conclusions. An important component is the development of a research proposal that will be implemented and executed in the course ENV BIOL 4055A/B (Honours Evolution and Palaeobiology Project 1 & 2).

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ENV BIOL 4040A
    Course Advanced Evolution and Palaeobiology (Hons) Pt 1
    Coordinating Unit School of Biological Sciences
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Contact Up to 10 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Restrictions BSc Honours Evolution & Palaeobiology
    Course Description This course is part of the Honours in Evolution and Palaeobiology degree and runs in parallel with ENV BIOL 4055A/B Honours Evolution and Palaeobiology Project. The aim of this course is to help you build essential research, critical thinking and science communication skills. You will develop and improve your ability to synthesise and review the scientific literature, present oral summaries of your research project, and develop technical and analytical skills involved with data analysis and interpretation. In carrying out these tasks you will develop an ability to collect and evaluate information, dissect complex ideas, identify gaps in knowledge, develop an interesting viewpoint, assemble a persuasive argument and draw valid conclusions. An important component is the development of a research proposal that will be implemented and executed in the course ENV BIOL 4055A/B (Honours Evolution and Palaeobiology Project 1 & 2).
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Kate Sanders

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1. Obtain scientific information in evolutionary biology and palaeobiology from library research;
    2. Organise scientific information and present it in a logical and structured manner;
    3. Critically evaluate and synthesise information and develop original ideas;
    4. Summarise the information gained (in 1-3 above) in written form;
    5. Prepare clear and compelling scientific arguments, hypotheses and proposals.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1,2,3,4,5
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    3,4,5
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    2,5
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    3,4,5
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    1,3,5
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    1,3,4,5
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    No information currently available.

    Workload

    No information currently available.

    Learning Activities Summary

    No information currently available.

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    No information currently available.

    Assessment Detail

    No information currently available.

    Submission

    No information currently available.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    NOG (No Grade Associated)
    Grade Description
    CN Continuing

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

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    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

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