I took the unit this year: I have to say, compared to ANHB1101, this was a fantastic experience all round with very supportive lecturers. I had some health issues come up and was approved for an extension by the coordinator Joe without a formal EVA document. The unit draws together a transdisciplinary approach that encompasses philosophy of science, biology and contemporary evolutonary theory. If you're expecting a unit worshipping at the shrine of the Neo-Darwinian Orthodoxy, prepare to be challenged, frustrated or disappointed because this unit is both pro-Darwin and Darwin-critical. In a short time, I learnt a great deal about the history and philosophical foundations of evolutionary theory--and I learnt that really, this unit is essentially philosophical: for example, the acclaimed philosopher of science and biology Robert. A. Wilson contributes lectures and Jo himself is clearly philosophically informed. Additionally, there are lectures on altruism, its non-human primate origins and biological anthropology, all of which encouraged me to pursue further studies in bioanthropology. Whilst I felt the assessment structure was uneven and poorly designed (there aren't regular online quizzes, the assessments "pop up" at odd dates throughout the semester etc.) This unit has very low expectations from the students and could really pass as a level 1 elective unit. I would recommend and encourage anyone studying philosophy or science to take this unit: in my view, it should be compulsory for all STEM and Humanities majors because it synthesises ostensibly disparate disciplines together so well. I loved this unit.

Please note ANIM2001 used to be ANIM1001 but was changed into a second year unit. The pros: Extremely interesting content, passionate UCs and lecturers, manageable workload and fair exam The cons: we were not taught how to produce the question and report assessments we had to do and it felt like they weren’t fair assessments of our subject knowledge or time and effort put in. It also felt they were subjectively marked with feedback given being contrary to the marking rubric. Additionally the Great Apes quiz contained mistakes Despite these criticisms, the unit coordinators are really passionate and the lecturers are fantastic If you want an HD please find another unit. However if you don’t mind what grade you get and what an interesting unit, this is the one for you.