| Effective Term: | 2025/05 |
| Institute / School : | Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability |
| Unit Title: | Principles of Biology |
| Unit ID: | SCBIO1001 |
| Credit Points: | 15.00 |
| Prerequisite(s): | Nil |
| Co-requisite(s): | Nil |
| Exclusion(s): | (BIOGC1722 and SCBIO1010 and SCCOR1100) |
| ASCED: | 010999 |
| Other Change: | |
| Brief description of the Unit |
This unit provides an introduction to some of the fundamental principles of biology. We will introduce cellular structure, integrity and communication, and link biochemistry and macromolecules with energy transfer and cellular respiration. We also explore cellular replication, genes, chromosomes and genetic engineering, and look at patterns of inheritance. We examine the evidence for evolution by looking at microevolution in populations, and macroevolution leading to the formation of new species. |
| Grade Scheme: | Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF) |
| Work Experience Indicator: |
| No work experience |
| Placement Component: | |
| Supplementary Assessment:Yes |
| Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment |
| Course Level: |
| Level of Unit in Course | AQF Level(s) of Course | | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | | Introductory | | |  | | | | | Intermediate | | | | | | | | Advanced | | | | | | |
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| Learning Outcomes: |
| Knowledge: |
| K1. | Identify the major cell constituents and tissues in eukaryotic organisms, and their function in eukaryotic organisms. |
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| K2. | Understand the role of biological molecules and describe pathways of energy conversion in organisms. |
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| K3. | Explain the basis of genetic inheritance of traits and the rules governing those processes. |
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| K4. | Describe independent lines of evidence supporting the theory of evolution, and processes involved in natural selection of traits and species. |
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| Skills: |
| S1. | Develop laboratory skills using standard methods, equipment, technology and approaches in biological science. |
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| S2. | Observe key biological processes, functions and structures during laboratory classes. |
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| S3. | Report on observations in standard lab report formats, using appropriate biological terminology and language. |
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| Application of knowledge and skills: |
| A1. | Relate the structure of cells and organelles to their function, determine the purpose of major cellular organelles and tissues through laboratory experiments. |
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| A2. | Relate biochemical reactions to the physiological processes of living organisms. |
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| A3. | Relate the influence of genetics on trait inheritance and link to evolution. |
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| Unit Content: |
This unit provides an introduction to some of the fundamental principles of biology. We will introduce cellular structure, integrity and communication, and link biochemistry and macromolecules with energy transfer and cellular respiration. We also explore cellular replication, genes, chromosomes and genetic engineering, and look at patterns of inheritance. We examine the evidence for evolution by looking at microevolution in populations, and macroevolution leading to the formation of new species. These topics are arranged into four broad themes: Cell Biology, Biochemistry (and cellular energy), Genetics, Evolution. |
| Graduate Attributes: |
| Federation University recognises that students require key transferable employability skills to prepare them for their future workplace and society. FEDTASKS (Transferable Attributes Skills and Knowledge) provide a targeted focus on five key transferable Attributes, Skills, and Knowledge that are be embedded within curriculum, developed gradually towards successful measures and interlinked with cross-discipline and Co-operative Learning opportunities. One or more FEDTASK, transferable Attributes, Skills or Knowledge must be evident in the specified learning outcomes and assessment for each FedUni Unit, and all must be directly assessed in each Course.
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| FED TASK and descriptor | Development and acquisition of FEDTASKS in the Unit | | Level | FEDTASK 1
Interpersonal | Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate, inter-act and work with others both individually and in groups. Students will be required to display skills in-person and/or online in: • Using effective verbal and non-verbal communication • Listening for meaning and influencing via active listening • Showing empathy for others • Negotiating and demonstrating conflict resolution skills • Working respectfully in cross-cultural and diverse teams. | Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines | FEDTASK 2
Leadership | Students will demonstrate the ability to apply professional skills and behaviours in leading others. Students will be required to display skills in: • Creating a collegial environment • Showing self -awareness and the ability to self-reflect • Inspiring and convincing others • Making informed decisions • Displaying initiative | N/A - Not Applicable | FEDTASK 3
Critical Thinking and Creativity | Students will demonstrate an ability to work in complexity and ambiguity using the imagination to create new ideas. Students will be required to display skills in: • Reflecting critically • Evaluating ideas, concepts and information • Considering alternative perspectives to refine ideas • Challenging conventional thinking to clarify concepts • Forming creative solutions in problem solving. | Level 1 - Students require directions and boundaries from mentor | FEDTASK 4
Digital Literacy | Students will demonstrate the ability to work fluently across a range of tools, platforms and applications to achieve a range of tasks. Students will be required to display skills in: • Finding, evaluating, managing, curating, organising and sharing digital information • Collating, managing, accessing and using digital data securely • Receiving and responding to messages in a range of digital media • Contributing actively to digital teams and working groups • Participating in and benefiting from digital learning opportunities. | Level 1 - Students require directions and boundaries from mentor | FEDTASK 5
Sustainable and Ethical Mindset | Students will demonstrate the ability to consider and assess the consequences and impact of ideas and actions in enacting ethical and sustainable decisions. Students will be required to display skills in: • Making informed judgments that consider the impact of devising solutions in global economic environmental and societal contexts • Committing to social responsibility as a professional and a citizen • Evaluating ethical, socially responsible and/or sustainable challenges and generating and articulating responses • Embracing lifelong, life-wide and life-deep learning to be open to diverse others • Implementing required actions to foster sustainability in their professional and personal life. | N/A - Not Applicable |
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| | Learning Outcomes Assessed | Assessment Tasks | Assessment Type | Weighting | | 1. | K1, K2, K3, K4, S1, S2, S3, A1, A2, A3 | Conduct lab-based investigations and report on findings in appropriate format. | Practical scientific reports and worksheets | 40-60% | | 2. | K1, K2, K3, K4, A1, A2, A3 | Understanding key biological concepts | Quizzes and/or worksheets undertaken throughout semester | 10-30% | | 3. | K1, K2, K3, K4, A1, A2, A3 | Demonstration, application and interpretation of knowledge and skills | Final assessment | 10-30% |
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