08 UC/10-PhD,MSc,PGDipSc,BSc(Hons)/1
UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
CUAP Proposal-New Qualification/Subject
Section A
Proposal Description
Purpose of the proposal
This proposal is to introduce Evolutionary Biology as a major subject at postgraduate level, specifically
BSc(Hons), PGDipSc., MSc and PhD.
Justification
Evolutionary biology is a growing strength of the School of Biological Sciences. Thirteen of our 33 continuing
and one of two fixed term academic staff currently conduct research in some aspect of evolutionary biology.
Over the last five years, the School has appointed ten new continuing academic staff, and seven of those teach
and conduct research in some aspect of evolutionary biology. In 2008 we reorganised our undergraduate
teaching in genetics and evolution to reflect this increasing evolutionary emphasis, and BIOL271 (Evolution) is
now our most popular course at 200-level, excluding BIOL209 (Data analysis) which is a degree requirement
(117 students enrolled in BIOL271 in 2010 compared to 144 enrolled in BIOL209). We also introduced a new
300-level evolutionary biology course in 2008 (BIOL332: Genetics and Evolution of Invasive Species) which is
growing rapidly, from 20 students in 2008 and 23 in 2009 to 40 already enrolled in 2010 (as at 9th March 2010),
despite this being a semester 2 course.
The reorganisation of streams at undergraduate level has not been matched with any changes at postgraduate
level, and as a result, our students coming through the undergraduate Evolutionary Biology stream have no
suitable major at postgraduate level. Postgraduate students (400-level) studying evolutionary biology in 2010
have enrolled in diverse majors, including Cellular & Molecular Biology, Zoology, and Ecology, with the
choice of major depending more on their undergraduate background than their postgraduate research focus.
Several students have expressed concern that the major subject appearing on their degree certificate will not
accurately reflect their area of study, and it is possible that we are losing students to other universities because
we have no identifiable pathway for postgraduate study in evolutionary biology. The introduction of a
postgraduate major in Evolutionary Biology will not only provide our students with a suitable pathway for
careers in evolutionary biology, but fits well with the School of Biological Sciences’ thematic strengths of
Biodiversity and Biosecurity, both of which are underpinned by evolutionary theory.
Acceptability
The proposed major has been discussed and supported by the Teaching & Learning Committee of the School of
Biological Sciences and has been presented at full staff meetings of the School and been unanimously
supported by staff. Postgraduate students within the School of Biological Sciences have been asked to comment
on the proposed major and all responses have been very supportive. The University of Canterbury’s Student
Association has also commented favourably and both undergraduate (via UCSA consultation) and postgraduate
student responses demonstrate a strong demand for this major.
Potential employers/higher degree supervisors at other New Zealand and international Universities or research
institutes (Lincoln University, University of Otago, Landcare Research, Newcastle University UK, University
of East Anglia UK, City University of New York, USA) have also been asked for comments, with all responses
received very much in favour of the introduction of this new major subject. (No response from Landcare, all
others have replied). One external academic (from the USA) suggested we should include nine broad subjects
(Genetics, Molecular Biology, Statistics, Mathematics, Systematics, Behaviour, Macro- and micro-evolution,
and Ecology) as compulsory at postgraduate level, however, it is not possible to adequately cover all of these
areas at an advanced level within one year. Students progressing to the proposed evolutionary biology major,
will, however, have covered most or all of these areas at undergraduate level and we feel it is essential to allow
some flexibility at postgraduate level so that students can start to specialise in their particular area of
evolutionary biology. All other respondents supported the proposed course structure.
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Goals of the programme
The programme will offer a new subject, Evolutionary Biology, at postgraduate level at the University of
Canterbury. The building blocks for the programme are already in place, in terms of courses available at fourth
year, and academics able to supervise evolutionary research.
The programme will identify Evolutionary Biology as a major teaching and research field at the University of
Canterbury and produce graduates able to enter the workplace with appropriate, readily identifiable skills in
evolutionary research.
Graduate profile
BSc(Hons) graduates will have:
 An advanced knowledge and understanding of evolutionary biology
 Appropriate training in practical skills
 An ability to critically evaluate research methods
 An ability to access relevant literature through appropriate library and internet skills
 An ability to communicate evolutionary research to both experts and non-experts
 An ability to work independently and as part of a team
 An appreciation of the ethical, social and cross-cultural issues relevant to the discipline
PGDipSc graduates will have:
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An advanced knowledge and understanding of evolutionary biology
An ability to critically evaluate research methods
An ability to access relevant literature through appropriate library and internet skills
An ability to communicate evolutionary research to both experts and non-experts
An appreciation of the ethical, social and cross-cultural issues relevant to the discipline
MSc graduates will have:
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An advanced knowledge and understanding of evolutionary biology
Appropriate training in practical skills
An advanced ability to critically evaluate research methods
An advanced ability to access relevant literature through appropriate library and internet skills
An advanced ability to communicate evolutionary research to both experts and non-experts
An advanced ability to work independently and as part of a team
An appreciation of the ethical, social and cross-cultural issues relevant to the discipline
An ability to conduct independent, original research in evolutionary biology
An ability to write research proposals and reports
PhD graduates will have:
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A deep knowledge and understanding of evolutionary biology
Appropriate training in practical skills
An advanced ability to critically evaluate research methods
An advanced ability to access relevant literature through appropriate library and internet skills
An advanced ability to communicate evolutionary research to both experts and non-experts
An advanced ability to work independently and as part of a team
A deep appreciation of the ethical, social and cross-cultural issues relevant to the discipline
An ability to conceive and develop research projects in evolutionary biology
An ability to write research proposals and reports
The ability to conduct independent, substantial, original research in evolutionary biology
An ability to publish world-class research in international journals
Outcome statement
Graduates in Evolutionary Biology will have an advanced knowledge of evolutionary theory, the ability to
critically test hypotheses and analyse data, as well as both written and oral scientific communication skills.
Graduates will be able to apply that knowledge to addressing pressing issues in biodiversity, conservation,
genetics, molecular biology, biosecurity, and/or evolutionary ecology. Graduates will be well equipped for
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either an academic career in evolutionary biology (postdoctoral research associate or research assistant,
potentially leading to lecturing positions that include leading a research group) or for employment in research
institutes such as Landcare Research and AgResearch (as scientists or research associates, leading to science
leader positions). BSc(Hons) and MSc graduates in Evolutionary Biology will be attractive candidates for PhD
positions in evolutionary biology both within New Zealand Universities and internationally.
Programme overview
This is a broad major designed for students wishing to focus on any aspect of evolutionary biology, including
(but not limited to) molecular evolution, evolutionary or population genetics, phylogenetics, behaviour,
microbial evolution, and evolutionary ecology. Entry requirements for the major include a solid foundation of
evolutionary biology theory (BIOL271 (Evolution) plus at least one 300-level evolutionary biology course) as
well as experimental design & data analysis (BIOL309) at undergraduate level. The choice of 400-level courses
(taken by BSc(Hons), PGDipSc and MSc part I students) is designed to ensure all students enrolled in the major
will have at least two postgraduate courses (0.5 EFTS) that have a substantial component of evolutionary
theory, while being flexible enough to allow a broad range of evolutionary biologists to take the major, from
those with a molecular focus through to those with an ecological focus. BSc(Hons) students will also conduct a
research project (0.25 EFTS) in some aspect of evolutionary biology during their honours year. MSc students
will progress from part I (courses) to part II (research) if the average grade for their 400-level courses is at least
a B (GPA ≥ 5.0), and will then spend at least 12 months conducting original research in some aspect of
evolutionary biology. PhD students in Evolutionary Biology will spend approximately 36 months conducting
original research in some aspect of evolutionary biology.
Proposed new regulations and prescriptions (see Calendar Form at the end of Section A)
See attached Calendar form.
Proposed teaching/delivery methods
B.Sc. (Hons), P.G.Dip.Sci. and M.Sc part I (courses year).
Students take four 400-level courses (1.0 EFTS). Course delivery is by means of a series of 3-hour tutorials
running throughout the academic year. The tutorials are designed to provide the students with the skills
necessary to allow them to advance in Evolutionary Biology. Examples are student led presentations, critical
analysis of key literature, critical analysis of major hypotheses, data analysis and writing scientific reports.
In addition, Honours students carry out a research project (0.25 EFTS) worth 20% of their total Honours grade.
Assessment procedures
Assessment modes include:
 Essays
 Preparation of, and presentation of research posters
 Field work
 Practical work
 Final written examination.
All current 4th year courses and the Honours research project are externally moderated.
Research for EVOL480 (Honours project), MSc Part II and PhD will be governed by the University
Regulations as found in the University of Canterbury Calendar.
Predicted student numbers/EFTS
400 level
600 level (MScII)
700 level (PhD)
Total
Year 1
7
2
3
12
Year 2
8
4
6
18
Year 3
10
5
10
25
Resources
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08 UC/10-PhD,MSc,PGDipSc,BSc(Hons)/1
Evolutionary Biology degrees will be delivered from the School of Biological Sciences, within the Faculty of
Science. Approximately one third of the academic staff in Biological Sciences are involved in evolutionary
teaching and research and these will form the backbone of the new subject. In addition, staff involved in
research in related disciplines such as ecology will be an integral part of the programme.
Biological Sciences has the physical facilities, including field stations, vehicles, equipment and buildings to
offer the new programme.
Plans for monitoring programme quality
Fourth Year Coursework
 All courses will be internally reviewed at the end of each academic year. The reviews will include
course structure, subjects taught, feedback from students (both informal and formal surveys), and how
each course fits into the overall programme.
 Comments on courses and the whole programme acquired during an end of year discussion session with
current students
 Annual review by the departmental Teaching and Learning Committee that assesses courses, and how
the whole programme fits with the overall departmental programme.
 Written comments from visiting lecturers (Erskine visitors and CRI guest lecturers)
 Review of courses by external assessors.
Research
Research is governed by regulations and guidelines set down by the University and all projects in Evolutionary.
Biology will adhere to these.
Students work on a research project that is approved by the departmental Postgraduate Studies Committee and
the University Dean of Postgraduate Research. The research is supervised by a team of three academics.
Honours projects are externally assessed; MSc and PhD theses are externally examined. In addition, PhD theses
must be defended during an oral examination conducted by an external examiner.
Confirmation that Section B has been prepared and is available to CUAP on request
Section B has been prepared.
Calendar Form
New Qualification Regulations
Proposed changes to 2011 Calendar.
B.Sc.(Hons)
REGULATIONS (p 378 in 2010)
2. Subjects in which the degree may be awarded:
add Evolutionary Biology
Schedule 1 to the regulations for the Degree of Bachelor of Science with Honours (p380 in 2010), add:
Evolutionary Biology
Four courses and a research project (EVOL480). At least two courses are to be selected from BIOL421,
BIOL430, BIOL431, BIOL470, BIOL478. The remaining two courses to be selected with the approval of the
School of Biological Sciences Fourth Year Coordinator.
Prerequisites:
(1) BIOL271; and
(2) 60 points from 300-level BIOL courses including at least one of BIOL330, BIOL332, BIOL371,
BIOL373; and
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(3) BIOL309 or equivalent background in statistics.
P.G.Dip.Sc.
REGULATIONS (p 405 in 2010)
1. Subjects in which the degree may be awarded:
add Evolutionary Biology
Schedule 1 to the regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Science (p406 in 2010), add:
Evolutionary Biology
Four courses. At least two courses are to be selected from BIOL421, BIOL430, BIOL431, BIOL470, BIOL478.
The remaining two courses to be selected with the approval of the School of Biological Sciences Fourth Year
Coordinator.
Prerequisites:
(1) BIOL271; and
(2) 60 points from 300-level BIOL courses including at least one of BIOL330, BIOL332, BIOL371,
BIOL373; and
(3) BIOL309 or equivalent background in statistics.
M.Sc.
Schedule 1 to the regulations for the Degree of Master of Science (p391 in 2010), add:
Evolutionary Biology
Part I: Four courses. At least two courses are to be selected from BIOL421, BIOL430, BIOL431, BIOL470,
BIOL478. The remaining two courses to be selected with the approval of the School of Biological Sciences
Fourth Year Coordinator.
Part II: A thesis (EVOL690) which shall normally be presented no later than 16 months after the date of
enrolment for Part II. Students must consult the MSc regulations for details of other requirements for this
degree. In determining the class of honours, Part I and Part II are weighted in the ratio 2:3.
Prerequisites:
(1) BIOL271; and
(2) 60 points from 300-level BIOL courses including at least one of BIOL330, BIOL332, BIOL371,
BIOL373; and
(3) BIOL309 or equivalent background in statistics.
Schedule 2 to the regulations for the Degree of Master of Science (p397 in 2010), add:
Subject: Evolutionary Biology
Max time limit (months) for Part II only if taken alone or sequentially, and retaining eligibility for Honours or
Distinction/Merit: 16
Max time limit (months) for Part II only if taken alone or sequentially, without eligibility for Honours or
Distinction/Merit: 24
Max time limit (months) for Parts I and II if taken concurrently and retaining eligibility for honours: 28
Max time limit (months) for Parts I and II if taken concurrently and without eligibility for honours: 36
Weighting ratio Part I to Part II: 2:3
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Ph.D.
REGULATIONS (p 424 in 2010)
1. Nature of the degree.
(c) to subject areas for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy add: Evolutionary Biology (EVOL)
Course catalogue
To the list of subjects (p434 in 2010) add: Evolutionary Biology
To the course catalogue (p628 in 2010) add:
Evolutionary Biology
School of Biological Sciences
EVOL 480 Project 0.2500 EFTS
A written report on a research project approved by the Head of School of Biological Sciences. The report must
be completed and presented by the due date in the year in which the student presents the courses selected from
BIOL401 – BIOL493 (refer to degree schedule).
P: Subject to the approval of Head of School
EVOL480-11W (C) Whole Year (S1 and S2)
EVOL 690 MSc Thesis 1.0000 EFTS
P: Subject to the approval of Head of School
EVOL690-11A (C) Starts Anytime
Part-time enrolment (0.65 EFTS) is available on approval.
EVOL 790 PhD Thesis 1.0000 EFTS
P: Subject to the approval of Head of School
EVOL790-11A (C) Starts Anytime
Part-time enrolment (0.65 EFTS) is available on approval.
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