Computers with WWW access.
Appropriately equipped laboratory..

? Campbell, Reece and Mitchell. 2002. Biology. Pearson Education
? Dennett D. Darwin?s dangerous Idea; evolution and the Meaning of Life. Simon & Schuster, 1995.

The initial stages of the module will introduce Darwinian ideas of natural selection and outline current thinking, including the incorporation of the gene concept and DNA. The algorithmic nature of natural selection will be considered and the concept of fitness developed by examining the chemical origins of life. Major transitions in the history of life will be examined and these transitions and subsequent adaptive radiations will allow the study of the major groups of organisms. Once the basic groupings are examined the module will conclude with present-day diversity, distributions and adaptations. Throughout the module the basic interactions of life will be stressed.

Concurrently a practical-based self-study workbook will allow the student to familiarize themselves with the diagnostic features of the major forms of extant life.

The basic framework of information will be provided by a combination of 24 hrs of lectures/workshops and a module-dedicated web site. The 126 hrs of independent study will involve 80 hours of guided reading, 16 hours of practical based self-study and 30 hours of preparation for assessment.

Students will be encouraged to build on this basic material by linking material to Hanley Museum and direction to appropriate web sites.

Summative
Practical identification based test. (40%) (1 hour) (1 & 2)

Examination (60%) (2 hour)
2 from 4 essay style questions. (3 & 4)

Formative
Self-assessed practical based feedback when working through practical based independent study.

Written feedback on essay plans produced for specimen examination questions