Undergraduate Module Descriptor

PHL3018: Sex and Death: Introduction to the Philosophy of Biology

This module descriptor refers to the 2017/8 academic year.

Module Aims

The philosophy of biology is one of the most exciting and rapidly developing areas of philosophy. It involves close analysis of numerous aspects of biology, both contemporary and historical, and examines conceptual and methodological innovation in a range of life sciences. Students successfully completing this module will have acquired a detailed knowledge of the central issues, problems, disputes and unresolved questions of the philosophy of biology

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. understand the conceptual issues raised by contemporary theories of evolution, heredity, development and ecology
2. acquire knowledge of important examples of conceptual change and theoretical conflict in biology;
3. appreciate the interaction between empirical data and conceptual frameworks in the development of several areas of the life sciences;
Discipline-Specific Skills4. apply a reflective and sophisticated analytic understanding to complex issues and subject matter;
5. appreciate the role and importance of detailed empirical knowledge for philosophical understanding
6. analyse and communicate ideas in a clear, rational, and carefully considered way;
7. detect and diagnose fallacies, specious arguments, and errors in reasoning;
Personal and Key Skills8. demonstrate in assessed work and tutorial discussions: Precision of thought and expression (oral and written) in the analysis and formulation of complex and controversial problems;
9. think logically and analyse critically
10. think and work creatively, self-critically, and independently;
11. participate effectively in group discussion and argument.