Module manager: Ellen Clarke
Email: E.Clarke@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
| PHIL3320 | Philosophy of Biology |
This module is approved as a discovery module
Biology has been a rapidly expanding and evolving field in recent years. Many of its practitioners are becomingly increasingly specialised. Big-picture, synthesizing perspectives on how it is all supposed to hang together are needed more than ever. This module offers some tools to help us gain that broader perspective – to think critically about how the ways in which biology is done affects the answers that it provides, including the role played by values in shaping biological theory, and about how those answers sit alongside some of our wider views about the world and our place in it. Anyone interested in getting past the textbook answers to think deeply about how biology works will enjoy this module. Biologists will gain some general critical thinking skills as well as some tools to critically evaluate the theory and practice of biological science. Philosophers will be introduced to a remarkable and vital set of questions in need of attention. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
The module is designed to teach you how to analyse and critically assess a variety of key concepts and explanations in biological science, so that you can think critically about how biological knowledge is accumulated and what that body of knowledge has to tell us about our world and our place in it.
The objective will be fulfilled by:
- Lectures where you are introduced to core concepts, readings and arguments.
- Seminar preparation and participation where you read texts critically, analyse the arguments, discuss the material with your peers, and are encouraged to develop your own point of view.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1) Charitably interpret controversial arguments and texts in philosophy of biology.
2) Coherently articulate and defend your own views on the issue.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
3) Communicate ideas and understanding clearly and concisely, using appropriate academic language (Academic and Work Ready skill)
4) Evaluate different arguments and perspectives, using supporting evidence to form opinions, arguments, and ideas (Academic skill)
5) Identify ethical questions and use ethical frameworks when analysing issues arising in real-world contexts (Work Ready, Enterprise and Sustainability skill)
Ability to apply philosophical methods to specific science
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Private study hours | 84 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 16 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Students will have the opportunity to submit an essay plan which will receive written feedback.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Students will submit an essay on a different topic from the list provided for the original attempt.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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