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 |
|
|
| 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 |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Delivery period: 2010/11 Semester 1, Available to all students (SV1)
|
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 |
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 |
| Please see Visiting Student Prospectus website for Visiting Student Assessment information |
Special Arrangements
| 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 |
|
copyright 2010 The University of Edinburgh -
1 September 2010 6:13 am
|
University Homepage