Arts

HPA218

2010  HPA218  Philosophy of Biology

Unit Level: Intermediate

Available as a Student Elective: Yes

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See also   HPA318

OFFERINGS

Unit Sem 1 Sem 2 Full Yr Spring Summer Winter HPA218 H Key Semester Dates Semester Note Start Date Census Date Final WW Date* End Date Sem 1 22-FEB-2010 23-MAR-2010 12-APR-2010 28-MAY-2010 *The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (see Withdrawal dates explained for more information). This unit can be taken in other courses About Census Dates

DESCRIPTION

Explores some of the philosophical implications and assumptions of contemporary evolutionary biology, ecology and the other life sciences. The unit begins by considering [i] the standard view of evolution, [ii] the debate over the unit of selection, [iii] differing conceptions of gene, organism and species, and [iv] the nature and limitations of adaptationist reasoning. The unit also considers the implications of evolutionary reasoning. Topics here may include: [i] the role of findings in the life sciences in contemporary ethical debates over abortion, cloning, genetic engineering etc, [ii] socio-biology, evolutionary psychology, and the use of evolutionary theory to understand aspects of human nature, and [iii] the use of evolutionary models in sociology, epistemology and other fields.

WEIGHT:  12.5%

ASSESSMENT: HPA218 - 3000 words internal assessment (60%) 2-hour examination (40%)
HPA318 -3500 words internal assessment (60%)2-hour examination (40%)

TEACHING PATTERN: 2 hrs lectures weekly, 1-hr tutorial fortnightly (13 wks)

FLEXIBLE & ONLINE STUDY OPTIONS
Note: Class attendance may still be required

   Web supported - H
Online access to some part of this unit online is optional
About Flexible Study Options

REQUISITE INFO

Prereq

25% level 100 any discipline

TEXTS
Information about any textbook requirements for Semester (Sem 1) will be available from mid November 2009

STAFF: Dr R Corry

Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

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