BIO 1101 Biology 1

STAFFING:

RATIONALE:

This course aims at providing students with a basic grounding in the fundamental concepts of biology and the application of scientific method in solving problems. It provides a theoretical and practical foundation for science and non-science students.

SYNOPSIS:

This course provides a brief history to life on earth, introduces the characteristics and diversity of organisms and provides a comprehensive foundation in cell structure and function, introductory genetics, energy transformations (photosynthesis and respiration), the evolution and classification of plants, introduction to morphology, anatomy and phsyiology of flowering plants, principles of ecology and an introduction to the evolution of animals and the tissue and organ systems of animals. The scientific method is used to design, perform and interpret the results of experiments in biology. The residential school is a compulsory component of the external offering of this course.

OBJECTIVES:

On completion of this course students will be able to:

1. outline the principles of biological classification and binomial nomenclature;
2. demonstrate an understanding of the evolutionary history of life on earth;
3. examine and describe the structure and function of cells and their organelles;
4. describe the structure of cell membranes and outline the principles governing dialysis, osmosis and membrane transport systems;
5. demonstrate an understanding of cell reproduction, DNA structure and protein synthesis and basic Mendelian genetics;
6. discuss the laws governing energy transformations and the role of enzymes in biological systems;
7. outline the processes of photosynthesis, glycolysis, aerobic and anaerobic respiration;
8. outline the evolution of plants and identify the basic characteristics of some major plant groups;
9. demonstrate familiarity with the basic anatomy, morphology and physiology of flowering plants;
10. outline the evolution and diversity of animals;
11. differentiate between the main groups of vertebrates and invertebrates and classify organisms into these groups;
12. describe basic animal structure in terms of tissues and organ systems;
13. outline the ways in which animals acquire nutrients and describe the structure and function of organs associated with this process;
14. give an overview of ecological principles and processes at the ecosystem level;
15. demonstrate appreciation of the impact of humans and their activities on the environment;
16. plan, conduct and report simple scientific experiments in biology.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

Laboratory Coat.

Dissection Kit.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Examination dates will be available during the Semester. Please refer to the examination timetable when published.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration. To maximize their chances of satisfying the objectives of the practical component of the course, students should attend and actively participate in the laboratory sessions in the course.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To satisfactorily complete an assessment item a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks or a grade of at least C-. Students do not have to satisfactorily complete each assessment item to be awarded a passing grade in this course. Refer to Statement 4 below for the requirements to receive a passing grade in this course.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the available weighted marks for the summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   In a Closed Examination, candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the next examination period.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES