ENV BIOL 3590 - Evolutionary Biology III

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2024

This course aims to provide advanced practical experience in systematics, evolution and the fossil record and the application of these to the study of the evolution and conservation of biodiversity. Students will use research approaches employed in a range of key topics in evolutionary biology and apply critical thinking through practical, project, and fieldwork. Practical and project topics may include: past climates and habitats and how they have shaped the present day Australian biota; evolutionary trees; morphological and molecular systematics, ancient DNA; molecular clocks; biogeography; extinction; and computational challenges for processing and interpreting large-scale genomic data in phylogeography. The course will include a compulsory 4-day field camp to study the extinct terrestrial biota of South Australia.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ENV BIOL 3590
    Course Evolutionary Biology III
    Coordinating Unit Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 11 hours per week and a 4 day field trip
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites ENV BIOL 2501
    Corequisites ENV BIOL 3560
    Incompatible ENV BIOL 3230, ENV BIOL 3122, ENV BIOL 3123, ENV BIOL 3550
    Assumed Knowledge ENV BIOL 2500, ENV BIOL 2503, ENV BIOL 3535
    Course Description This course aims to provide advanced practical experience in systematics, evolution and the fossil record and the application of these to the study of the evolution and conservation of biodiversity. Students will use research approaches employed in a range of key topics in evolutionary biology and apply critical thinking through practical, project, and fieldwork. Practical and project topics may include: past climates and habitats and how they have shaped the present day Australian biota; evolutionary trees; morphological and molecular systematics, ancient DNA; molecular clocks; biogeography; extinction; and computational challenges for processing and interpreting large-scale genomic data in phylogeography. The course will include a compulsory 4-day field camp to study the extinct terrestrial biota of South Australia.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Elizabeth Reed

    John Conran
    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students should be able to:

    1 Analyse, synthesise and critically evaluate cutting-edge practical methodologies to problems in evolutionary biology and demonstrate an understanding of the importance of evolutionary studies as a foundation of comparative biology;
    2 Demonstrate skills in the design and execution of a research project, including statistically sound sampling strategies and the analysis and interpretation of methodologies for the reconstruction and interpretation of phylogenetic and biogeographic patterns and processes;
    3 Understand the importance of the fossil record in evolutionary studies and the role of phylogenetic studies in the wider
    context of biodiversity and conservation;
    4 Present experimental results relating to the Australian biota in a written and oral form that aligns with conventions for scientific reports and discuss scientific matters of current international interest in an informed manner;
    5 Demonstrate team-oriented management of projects, especially communication with peers.
    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)

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    2, 4, 5
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course demonstrates theory and practice through the direct exposure of logic, experimental design and experience of the natural environment. Class activities are supported through field-based observation. Theory and practical aspects will be built from 10 x 3-hour practicals that focus on problem-solving practical issues of testing theory and research-based literature reviews, covering a range of evolutionary topics and skills.
    Scientific method, derivation of hypotheses from theory, designing experiments to test hypotheses, collecting data, analysis and synthesis and presentation of results will be overseen in small group projects during a 4-day palaeontology field camp and associated pre- and post-camp workshops (part of the practical sessions) in which students apply these skills. Each component of the course is approached systematically so that by the end, all components have been brought together through individual reports, group reports and presentations.
    Practical and project topics will include: palaeontology, past climates and ecosystems and their impacts on the present-day biota, particularly focusing on, but not limited to the Cenozoic; Evolution of the Australian Flora covering molecular and morphological approaches to the study of major angiosperm groups as well as aspects of their evolutionary biology, focusing on pollination co-evolution and exaptation. Evolution of the Australian fauna, focusing on radiations, adaptations and specialisations throughout the changing Australian environment over time, using morphological and molecular approaches to the study of phylogeny and phylogeography.

    Students will learn to apply scientific techniques and approaches, as follows:

    1. Field camp – class and small group learning:
    A major component of this course will be the compulsory 4-day palaeontology field camp to the Naracoorte Caves. This field camp brings together all aspects of the course; from identification of a problem for scientific solution, development of theory, derivation of hypotheses, experimental design and analysis, interpretation and refinement of the theory. Small group learning and exposure to extinct faunas and their palaeoenvironments will provide a diversity of challenges within which students will apply new methods and the limits of scientific inference and to then present an oral communication based on their essay once their essay is submitted.

    2. Practicals – small group and individual learning:
    The practical classes centre on the development of skills acquired in Evolutionary Biology II and Research Methods in Evolution Biology III. By generating outcomes about evolutionary patterns and/or processes from evolutionary questions, they will be challenged to recognise that this is not the end-point-in science, nor that there is necessarily a one-size-fits-all approach to research.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A student enrolled in a 3-unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., practicals and field camps), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).
    Learning Activities Summary
    Practical and project topics will include: palaeontology, past climates and ecosystems and their impacts on the present-day biota, particularly focusing on, but not limited to the Cenozoic; Evolution of the Australian Flora covering molecular and morphological approaches to the study of major angiosperm groups as well as aspects of their evolutionary biology, focusing on pollination co-evolution and exaptation. Evolution of the Australian fauna, focusing on radiations, adaptations and specialisations throughout the changing Australian environment over time, using morphological and molecular approaches to the study of phylogeny and phylogeography.

     Students will learn to apply scientific techniques and approaches, as follows:

     1. Field camp – class and small group learning:
    A major component of this course will be the compulsory 4-day palaeontology field camp to the Naracoorte Caves. This field camp brings together all aspects of the course; from identification of a problem for scientific solution, development of theory, derivation of hypotheses, experimental design and analysis, interpretation and refinement of the theory. Small group learning and exposure
    to extinct faunas and their palaeoenvironments will provide a diversity of challenges within which students will apply new methods and the limits of scientific inference and to then present an oral communication based on their essay once their essay is submitted.

    2. Practicals – small group and individual learning:
    The practical classes centre on the development of skills acquired in Evolutionary Biology II and Research Methods in Evolution Biology III. By generating outcomes about evolutionary patterns and/or processes from evolutionary questions, they will be challenged to recognise that this is not the end-point-in science, nor that there is necessarily a one-size-fits-all approach to research.

     3. Research project
    This will provide students with the problem solving skills and challenges needed to advance their own knowledge. The aim is to give students an insight into the approaches and challenges of current evolutionary research and to encourage critical thinking on key issues via discussion of current literature-based research topics working in groups of 3–4 students with an academic expert (and involving peer assessment), but with each student producing an independent final report. These projects will provide students with experience in designing, executing and presenting modern evolutionary research projects in a professional manner, as well as group collaborative research.
    Specific Course Requirements
    The course involves field trips for local field work and a compulsory 4 day camp to a distant field station. Students will be informed of the relevant Environmental Health and Safety procedures at the beginning of the course.
  • 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
    Assessment task Type of assessment Percentage of total assessment for grading purposes Hurdle
    Yes/No  
    Outcomes being assessed / achieved Approximate Timing of Assessment
    Practical reports Formative & summative 60% No 1-4 Weeks 2–12
    Field
    camp report
    Summative 25% No 1-4 Week 11/12
    Field
    camp presentation
    Formative & summative 10% No 1-4 Week 11/12
    Field camp peer assessment Summative 5% No 5 Week 11/12
    Assessment Detail
    Practical Reports: (60% of total course grade). Practical Reports are all 2–3-week projects and mostly group based (2–6 students), but the reports are submitted and marked individually and of equal value. Students will receive feedback within two weeks on each of the practical reports submitted for assessment.

    Field Camp Assessment (40%): A major component of this course will be the compulsory 4-day palaeontology field camp to the Naracoorte Caves during the first week of the mid-Semester break. This field camp brings together all aspects of the course from identification of a problem for scientific solution, development of theory, derivation of hypotheses, experimental design and analysis, interpretation and refinement of the theory. Small group learning and exposure to extinct faunas and their palaeoenvironments will provide a diversity of challenges within which students will apply new methods and the limits of scientific inference. Assessment is by a written 3,000 word report (25%), as well as a 5 min oral presentation (10%) per student, based on the essay (after it has been submitted). Student communication is assessed individually on their ability to interpret, synthesize and evaluate evidence-based theory, as well as through group participation and collaboration (5%; by peer assessment).
    Submission
    If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.



    Course Grading

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

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    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

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    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.

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  • Policies & Guidelines
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