BIOLOGY 1001 - Fundamentals of Biology

North Terrace Campus - Quadmester 4 - 2020

The study of biology covers an incredibly wide range of themes; from simple molecules, cells, organelles and tissues to whole organisms and their interaction with the environment and their ability to evolve. The aim of this course is to introduce many of these concepts, thereby providing the foundation for further studies in more specialist level II/III courses. Topics to be covered include the chemicals of life, macromolecules, the role of nucleic acids in genetic information transfer, protein synthesis, lipid membranes and the structure of cells, storage and utilisation of energy, meiosis and mitosis.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code BIOLOGY 1001
    Course Fundamentals of Biology
    Coordinating Unit School of Biological Sciences
    Term Quadmester 4
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 30 hours
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Incompatible BIOLOGY 1101, BIOLOGY 1401, BIOLOGY 1510
    Assessment Online tests, practical worksheets and final examination
    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 Describe the structures and biological functions of cells and their components such as DNA, RNA, lipids, carbohydrates and protein.
    2 Explain the differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, as well as comparing plant and animal cells.
    3 Explain the metabolic pathways cells use to obtain and transform energy during the life cycle.
    4 Explain the molecular basis of inheritance and cell division.
    5 Measure, analyse and interpret experimental data.
    University Graduate Attributes

    No information currently available.

  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Personal Protective Equipment (Practicals):
    Laboratory Coat
    Safety Glasses
    Recommended Resources
    TextBook:
    Campbell Biology 11e (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 labs and workshops.

    MyUni:
    Course resources as provided including video/audio recording of lectures and copies of PowerPoint slides, as well as additional reading/recommended texts.

    Weblinks:
    As specified during the course
    Online Learning
    Available on MyUni:
    Links to Mastering Biology for self-directed learning modules and summative/formative Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
    Video introduction to the laboratories and preparation quizzes for laboratory sessions.
    Files for viewing molecular structures in 3-D
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The course will be deliverd by the following means:
    9 x 2 hour workshops
    5 x online modules
    4 x 3 hour laboratories.
    Workload

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

    Contact Hours (35 hours)
    Workshops 9 x 2 = 18 hours
    Laboratories 4 x 3 = 12 hours
    Exam 1 x 3 hours = 3 hours
    Tests 2 x 1 hour = 2 hours

    Non-contact Hours (83 hours)
    Weekly reading and online modules = 25 hours
    Preparation for Workshops 1 hour per workshop = 32 hours
    Preparation for Practicals 2 hours per practical = 8 hours
    Preparation for Tests = 8 hours
    Exam preparation= 10 hours
    Learning Activities Summary
    Laboratories:
    #1 DNA gel electrophoresis
    #2 Hypothesis testing and data analysis
    #3 Osmosis
    #4 photosynthesis & respiration


    Workshops:
    #1 - Buffers,dimensions and units.
    #2 - Macromolecules and enzymes
    #3 - Cell biology and membrane transport
    #4 - Osmosis
    #5 - metabolism/photosynthesis
    #6 - DNA Replication
    #7 - Transcription & translation
    #8 - Inheritance 1
    #9 - Inheritance 2

    Online Modules:
    #1 - Building blocks of life
    #2 - Cell Biology
    #3 - Metabolism
    #4 - DNA to Protein
    #5 - Inheritance
  • 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

    No information currently available.

    Assessment Detail

    No information currently available.

    Submission

    No information currently available.

    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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