Unit information: Philosophy of Biology in 2022/23

Unit name	Philosophy of Biology
Unit code	PHILM0006
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Grose
Open unit status	Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)	None
Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)	None
Units you may not take alongside this one
School/department	Department of Philosophy
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Unit Information

This unit will enable students to gain a good understanding of concepts and theories in evolutionary biology, and should be in a position to apply this knowledge in assessing the implications of modern biotechnology. Issues to be discussed in the seminars will include: the logical structure of evolutionary theory; the notions of fitness and adaptation; alternative conceptions of 'gene'; debates about the units of selection; the nature and individuation of species; theories of classification.

Your learning on this unit

On successful completion of this unit, students should:

1. Have knowledge and understanding of core issues in philosophy of biology, understand the central topics in the philosophy of biology, appreciate the extent to which traditional philosophical concerns are illuminated by work in the biological sciences, and understand foundational and methodological problems in contemporary biology.
2. Be able to conduct independent research into a new topic, using online and library resources, analyze and understand difficult philosophical texts, and write clear academic prose.

How you will learn

Lectures, small group work, individual exercises, seminars and virtual learning environment.

How you will be assessed

Summative Assessment: One essay of up to 6,000 words (excluding bibliography) - 100%

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHILM0006).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.