BIOLOGY 1201 - Biology I: Human Perspectives

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2021

This course builds on fundamentals of biology that have been developed in Molecules, Genes and Cells. The course takes molecular, cellular, whole body, population and evolutionary approaches to understanding biology as it pertains to human function and the interactions of the body with the environment. In many cases, our understanding of human function is best derived for studies of mammalian and non-mammalian organisms, and where appropriate, such models will be discussed. The themes that will be covered include: the organisation of the body, evolution, inheritance, regulation of gene expression, communication and control systems in the body; developmental biology and defence systems. Sessions that provide opportunities to integrate the information and demonstrate how it provides an understanding of normal human function and of disease, will be a regular feature of the course.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code BIOLOGY 1201
    Course Biology I: Human Perspectives
    Coordinating Unit School of Biological Sciences
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 6 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Incompatible Only BSc (Biotechnology), BSc (Molecular Biology) and BSc (Biomedical Science) students can do both BIOLOGY 1202 and 1201
    Assumed Knowledge BIOLOGY 1101
    Assessment End of Semester exam, MCQ and theory tests, practical assessment, group research project, tutorial participation
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Michelle Coulson

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    A successful student should be able to:
    1 display understanding:
    • of the interplay between molecules, cells and tissues with respect to humans
    • of the role of model organisms in understanding human biology and disease
    • of the interaction between the host immune system and microscopic pathogens
    • of the observational and experimental character of the scientific method and biology
    • of the role of evolution in humans
    2 explain the experimental foundations that underpin our understanding of biology
    3 work cooperatively in tutorials and practicals
    4 analyse and interpret experimental data 
    5 identify the limitations of experimental design and the critical importance of controls
    6 write practical reports and to present the experimental results in a valid scientific manner
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1-6
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    3-6
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    3,4
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    1-6
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    3
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    1-6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources

    Personal Protective Equipment (Practicals):
    Laboratory Coat
    Safety Glasses

    Recommended Resources
    TextBook:
    Campbell Biology 10e (Australian & NZ Edition)
    Hardcopy and/or electronic copy

    Mobile Device:
    An internet capable mobile device (eg phone, tablet, laptop etc) will allow realtime participation in lectures

    MyUni:

    Course resources as provided including online tutorials, video/audio recording of lectures and copies of PowerPoint slides, as well as additional reading/recommended texts. Links to Mastering Biology (Pearson Education)

    Weblinks:
    As specified during the course
    Online Learning
    Available on MyUni:
    Summative/Formative online tutorials 
    Self-directed learning modules on basic chemistry principles
    Summative/Formative Video introduction to the practicals
    Files for viewing molecular structures in 3-D
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course will be delivered by the following means:
    3 x 1 hour lectures per week
    4 x 3 hour practical per semester
    3 x 1 hr small group research experience per semester
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Contact Hours (53 hours)
    Lectures 33 x 1 = 33 hours
    Lecture Tests 2 x 1 = 2 hours
    Practicals 4 x 3 = 12 hours
    Small Group Discovery 3 x 1 = 3 hours
    Exam 1 x 3 hours = 3 hours

    Non-contact Hours (107 hours)
    Weekly reading/other study 3 hours per week  = 36 hours
    5 online tutorials = 5 x 3 hours = 15 hours
    Preparation for Practicals 2 hours per practical = 8 hours
    Preparation for Tests = 10 hours
    Preparation of Practical assessment = 8 hours
    Small group discovery project = 15 hours
    Exam preparation= 15 hours
     
    Total = approximately 160 hours
    Learning Activities Summary
    The topics covered in the course (and supported by the textbook and online resources) are as follows:
    • Lectures 1-3: Regulation of gene expression.
    • Lectures 4-9: Cell signaling and cancer biology
    • Lectures 10-12: Host-Pathogen I.
    • Lectures 13,14: Modern Technologies
    • Lectures 15-20: Host-Pathogen II.
    • Session 21 - Lecture Test 1
    • Lectures 22-24: Respiratory System.
    • Lectures 25-27: Developmental Biology.
    • Lectures 28-32: Human Evolution.
    • Lectures 33-34 Fontiers in Biology.
    • Session 35 - Lecture Test 2.
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    Teams of 4 students meet twice (weeks 5 and 7) with a senior researcher to investigate a research problem and propose a series of experiments to address that problem. The students present a group poster describing their research at a conference style poster session in week 11. Each student also submits a 500 word summary report as an individual assessment.

    Group Poster (prepared as a group) 10% (group mark)
    Summary report (prepared as an individual) 5% (individual mark)
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment TaskTask TypeDueWeightingLearning Outcome
    Redeemable Tests (x2) Summative Weeks 7 & 12 0-30% 1, 2
    Practical Assessment Formative and Summative Weeks 3,5,7 & 9 20% 1-6
    Online Tutorial Assessment Formative and Summative Various times during semester 5% 1-3
    Small Group Discovery Project Formative and Summative Poster session week 11 15% 1-6
    End of Semester Theory Examination Summative In examination period 30-60% 1, 2
    Assessment Detail

    End of Semester Theory Examination

    30-60%

    The examination will be divided into three sections:

    A. compulsory section consisting of short answer questions (30%)
    B. optional section consisting of multiple choice questions (potentially 15% if used to redeem lecture test 1)
    C. optional section consisting of multiple choice questions (potentially 15% if used to redeem lecture test 2).

    Small Group Discovery Project – Total

    15%

    Teams of 4 students meet with a senior researcher to investigate a research problem
    and propose a series of experiments to address that problem. The students generate a group poster describing their research. Each student also produces a 500 word summary report as as an individual assessment.
    Group Poster (group assessment) 10%
    Summary/Abstract (individual assessment)  5%

    Redeemable Supervised Tests - Total

    0-30%

    Lecture test #1 (Week8)    15%

    Lecture test #2 (Week12)   15%

    Practical Assessment - Total

    20%

    Practical 1: Online quiz (due prior to practical)  3%

    Practicals 1, 2 & 3: Worksheet that covers sessions 1, 2 & 3 (due at the completion of practical 3) 10%

    Practical 4:  Prelim quiz (due prior to practical) 1%
    & worksheet (Report due 7 days after the completion of practical) 6%

    Online Tutorial Assessment - Total

    5%

    Online tutorials are to be completed during the the student's own time. (5%)

    Submission
    • On-line Tutorial assessments will by undertaken using MyUni.
    • Practical worksheet and report assessments will be submitted via Turnitin using MyUni.
    If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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