BVB103 Evolution and the Diversity of Life
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | BVB103 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | BVB102 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $5,364 |
| International unit fee | $5,952 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | BVB103 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | BVB102 |
| Coordinator: | David Hurwood | d.hurwood@qut.edu.au |
Overview
The famous biologist, Theodosius Dobzhansky (1973) stated that "nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution". Studying evolution and biodiversity provides you with the fundamental basis for understanding biological patterns and processes from data sources spanning research from genomes to ecology and fossils. This unit provides an overview of the nature of inheritance, biological variation, natural & sexual selection and adaptation as well as the diversity of life that these processes have generated. The unit aims to equip you to be able to (1) interpret any biological observation in an evolutionary framework in fields as diverse as conservation and medical genetics and (2) recognise and classify major groups of organisms. We will introduce some key elements of Australia’s largely unique flora and fauna. As a foundational unit, knowledge and skills that you gain will be built upon in subsequent units in the biology and environmental science majors.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain the fundamental concepts of genetics and inheritance, and the underlying principles of evolutionary processes.
- Critically analyse organismal biology and biodiversity using the underpinning principles of an evolutionary framework
- Use basic taxonomic and analytical techniques to quantify biodiversity
- Collaborate in a team environment, provide feedback to peers and self reflect on own contribution to the team.
- Present visually and orally a evolutionary scenario to a non-specialist audience.
Content
The unit content is divided into three areas.
1. Genetic variation and heredity:
- mutation
- the nature of inheritance
2. Evolutionary processes and concepts, for example:
- micro and macro-evolution
- adaptive evolution
- neutral evolution
- co-evolution
- sexual selection
- speciation
3. Evolutionary patterns, for example:
- species diversity
- biogeography
- human ancestry and evolution.
Learning Approaches
This unit engages you in learning through a combination of self-paced independent study supported by readings, online resources and lectures, as well as group work conducted in collaborative learning spaces and a museum visit. These encompass a portfolio of activities that provide progressive opportunities for feedback to improve your learning. As a first year unit your learning will be carefully scaffolded to support you to develop a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts relating to evolution and how it underpins biodiversity. You can expect to spend between 10 - 12 hours per week on average involved in preparing for and attending all scheduled classes, completing assessment tasks, and undertaking your own independent study to consolidate your learning.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
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 workshops via a range of formative exercises
- You receive comments on summative assessment items (portfolio plan) in addition to criteria sheets
- You will be provided with generic comments back to your cohort via QUT Canvas and in workshops
- You will receive feedback on any perceived misunderstandings of evolutionary theory identified through the late semester online quiz.
Assessment
Overview
In this unit you will be assessed by a portfolio that summarises a range of activities conducted throughout the semester and includes a report that prepares you for group work. You will be assessed on group presentations that will include work on plant and animal systematics and evolution that have been undertaken during workshops. There will be also be peer review of outcomes and reflections on teamwork. Finally, there will be a late-semester quiz on your knowledge of evolution theory and concepts.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Portfolio
You will complete and submit worksheets from workshops and a museum visit, and provide your annotated bibliography, The components of the portfolio will demonstrate your ability to critically analyse biodiversity and organismal biology within an evolutionary framework.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Poster Conference
You will (as a group) prepare curated photographic plant and animal collections and deliver an oral presentation of a poster in which you will propose an evolutionary scenario for the diversification of the included plants or animals, that covers major evolutionary concepts and considers biotic and abiotic influences.
Assessment: Quiz
The quiz will include questions requiring identification, description and interpretation of evolutionary theory and biodiversity concepts and patterns. It examines your knowledge and understanding of all the aspects of evolution and biodiversity that you have been exposed to over the course of the semester, from lectures, workshops, readings and other online material.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Costs
There are no out of the ordinary costs associated with the study of this unit.
Resources
All learning resources that support your learning in this unit will be available in the Canvas unit site.While there are no prescribed texts for this unit, the following texts are recommended to support you learning.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Evolution. Stearns and Hoekstra
Evolution: Making Sense of Life. Emlen and Zimmer
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.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.ST01 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, Portfolio, Poster Conference, Quiz - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, Portfolio, Poster Conference, Quiz - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO3, Portfolio, Poster Conference, Quiz - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO5, Poster Conference - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: ULO4, Poster Conference
SV02 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, Portfolio, Poster Conference, Quiz - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, Portfolio, Poster Conference, Quiz - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO3, Portfolio, Poster Conference, Quiz - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO5, Poster Conference - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: ULO4, Poster Conference