Postgraduate Course: Foundations of Evolution (LASC11006)
Course Outline
School |
School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences |
College |
College of Humanities and Social Science |
Course type |
Standard |
Availability |
Available to all students |
Credit level (Normal year taken) |
SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Credits |
10 |
Home subject area |
Language Sciences |
Other subject area |
None |
Course website |
None
|
Taught in Gaelic? |
No |
Course description |
This course is an interdisciplinary introduction to the central ideas of evolutionary biology, drawing on teaching from across the University. In particular, it covers the history and practice of evolutionary biology, and the philosophy of biology.
This course is intended to be accessible and relevant to students whether or not they have a background in evolutionary biology. As well as providing a primer for the core concepts of modern evolutionary theory and practice, the course situates evolutionary biology in a wider context, covering the historical development of evolutionary theory, its philosophical ramifications and its impact on other disciplines.
PLEASE NOTE: this course is primarily intended for students on the MSc in Evolution of Language and Cognition"). Any other students should contact the course organiser for permission to take this course. |
Entry Requirements
Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites |
|
Prohibited Combinations |
|
Other requirements |
None
|
Additional Costs |
None |
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisites |
None |
Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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Delivery period: 2010/11 Semester 1, Available to all students (SV1)
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WebCT enabled: Yes |
Quota: None |
Location |
Activity |
Description |
Weeks |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Central | Lecture | | 1-11 | 16:10 - 18:00 | | | | |
First Class |
Week 1, Monday, 16:10 - 18:00, Zone: Central. 1.01 Dugald Stewart Building |
No Exam Information |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of the course, students will have an understanding of:
- the intellectual history of evolutionary biology
- what evolutionary theory aims to explain
- the mechanisms that give rise to adaptation
- the biological evidence for evolutionary processes
- the major evolutionary transitions in the history of life on earth
- the key ideas in the philosophy of biology
- how evolutionary biology impacts on the cognitive and social sciences
Students will be able to:
- critically evaluate the application of evolutionary thinking in biology and other disciplines
- integrate formal models and philosophical arguments to develop scientific explanations |
Assessment Information
One 2,500 word essay |
Special Arrangements
None |
Additional Information
Academic description |
Not entered |
Syllabus |
Not entered |
Transferable skills |
Not entered |
Reading list |
Not entered |
Study Abroad |
Not entered |
Study Pattern |
Not entered |
Keywords |
Not entered |
Contacts
Course organiser |
Prof Simon Kirby
Tel: (0131 6)50 3494
Email: s.kirby@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary |
Miss Toni Noble
Tel: (0131 6)51 3188
Email: Toni.noble@ed.ac.uk |
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copyright 2011 The University of Edinburgh -
31 January 2011 7:54 am
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