| Effective Term: | 2027/05 |
| 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 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. There is a significant practical component, with expected student attendance, providing students with important laboratory skills. The unit is a foundation study for all science students. |
| 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: |
| Skills: |
| Application of knowledge and skills: |
| Other outcomes: |
| O1. | Describe major cell structures, tissues, and biological molecules in eukaryotic organisms and explain their roles in sustaining life.
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| O2. | Explain fundamental processes of energy conversion, genetic inheritance, and evolution, illustrating their influence on biological diversity. |
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| O3. | Apply practical skills to conduct structured investigations using guided scientific methods and appropriate safety laboratory considerations, and record and interpret data to support conclusions. |
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| O4. | Communicate biological information and experimental findings clearly using standard scientific formats and appropriate terminology. |
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| O5. | Summarise information from scientific sources and digital data responsibly and ethically. |
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| Unit Content: |
This unit provides an introduction to some of the fundamental principles of biology and is a foundation unit in the science degrees. Topics are arranged into four broad themes and are likely to include the following: Theme 1 - Cell Biology: - Cells as building blocks of life (organelles)
- Cell membranes
- Cell communication
Theme 2 - Biochemistry and cellular energy: - Biomolecules: key molecules for life
- Cellular energy (and cellular respiration)
- Cellular reproduction
Theme 3 - Genetics: - Gene expression: transcription and translation
- Mendelian genetics
- Non-Mendelian genetics
Theme 4 - Evolution: - Evidence and mechanisms of evolution
- Evolution of populations
- Taxonomy and evolution of species
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| Graduate Attributes: |
| | Learning Outcomes Assessed | Assessment Tasks | Assessment Type | Weighting | Professional Standards |
| 1. |
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
Conduct lab-based investigations |
Practical scientific reports and worksheets |
40-60% |
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| 2. |
1, 2, 4 |
Understanding key biological concepts |
Quizzes and/or worksheets undertaken throughout semester |
10-30% |
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| 3. |
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
Demonstration, application and interpretation of knowledge and skills |
Video-explainer on a biology concept |
10-30% |
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