Warning! This subjects requires on campus attendance. Refer to Special Requirements for more information.
Duration
18 weeks
Study method
Online & on-campus
Available loans
- HECS-HELP
- FEE-HELP
Assessments
Subjects may require attendance
Prior study
Required
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about Macquarie.
QS Ranking 2023
14
Times Higher Education Ranking 2023
10
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Subject details
-
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
one ofandOthers
130cp at 1000 level or above including BIOX2310 or BIOX2210
Additional requirements
- Attendance requirements - On campus practical classes will be undertaken in blocks
Evolution is a dynamic process that has occurred over many millions of years (deep evolution) and continues to this day (contemporary evolution) shaping all aspects of vertebrate biology. This unit considers the major events in vertebrate evolution: invertebrate chordate to vertebrate; jawless to jawed; water to land; ectothermy to endothermy; and land to air. The newly emerging synthesis of evolutionary and developmental biology is having considerable impact on current vertebrate evolutionary theory, as are molecular techniques for constructing phylogenies. These topics are discussed in relation to deep and contemporary evolution of vertebrate groups. Lecture topics also discuss the main traits associated with each group of vertebrates including anatomy, physiology, brains and behaviour. The practical work reinforces the lectures by focussing on the comparative anatomy, morphology and behaviour of representative vertebrate groups.
- Science Communication (10%)
- wwekly activities (10%)
- Prac report (20%)
- Lab notes (20%)
- Final Examination (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).