Related Course/s:

A unit of study in the: Bachelor of Health Science (Public and Environmental Health), Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry/Chemistry),
Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) , Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)/Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications),  
Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)/Bachelor of Business  and Bachelor of Science (Psychology/Biochemistry).

Aims & Objectives:

This unit of study aims:

• To develop an understanding of the fundamentals of biology.
• To gain an understanding of the structure and function of living organisms, their life processes and diversity.
• To provide a strong basis for later applications and extensions of this knowledge in various fields, including biotechnology, human biology and the environment.

At the end of this unit of study students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the processes of scientific experimentation, querying and critical analysis, and the significance of these.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the major types of living organisms and the characteristics of and fundamental differences in their body plans/organisation and functions.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the various types of microscopic life forms.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the structures and functions of the major cell and tissue types of higher animals, particularly humans.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the structures and functions of the major cell and tissue types of higher plants.
• Develop a solid understanding of the fundamentals of genetics and reproduction.
• Apply the knowledge of genetics to addressing genetic problems in humans and other organisms, such as pedigree analysis and disease prediction.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the structure, properties and central functions of DNA as the genetic material
• Gain an introduction to molecular biology/molecular genetics and biotechnology.
• Understand the basic principles of the key biochemical processes utilised by living organisms for acquiring and utilising energy.
• Demonstrate the use of light microscopes in a competent fashion, for investigations of microorganisms, and various animal, human and plant cells and tissues.
• Demonstrate hands-on practical skills in the above areas.
• Appreciate the need for safely precautions in a lab environment.
• Work co-operatively.

Teaching Methods:

Lectures, practical classes, web based unit presence

Assessment:

Generic Skills Outcomes:

Students are expected to enhance several of their graduate attributes during this unit of study and should consult with your lecturer if not clear as to how this unit of study achieves this. The graduate attributes which relate to this unit of study help to produce students who:

Are capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas.

• Have a basic understanding of the theoretical principles involved in the study area.
• Can apply specific knowledge of the (core) discipline to real situations.
• Have a sense of social responsibility for subject knowledge and its applications.

Operate effectively and ethically in work and community situations.

• Have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Are adaptable and manage change.

• Are self-motivated.
• Can understand problem identification, formulation and solution.

Are aware of environments in which they will be contributing.

• Have a basic understanding of the need to carry out work in an ethical and socially responsible fashion.

Content:

• The diversity of life: characteristics of living organisms, the domains and kingdoms of organisms and their characteristics.
• The methods of science: methods of scientific investigation, experimental design.
• The molecules of life: structure and functions of the major types of molecules that make up the living systems: carbohydrates, fats and lipids, proteins, nucleic acids.
• Cells as the fundamental unit of life: the structure and functions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
• Structures and roles of intracellular organelles.
• The major cell and tissue types in animals, particularly humans, their organisation and functions.
• The major cell and tissue types in plants, their organisation and functions.
• Cell replication: processes of mitosis and meiosis, the significance of each process.
• Introduction to cell cycle and its regulation.
• Fundamentals of genetics: Mendelian genetics and the extensions/exceptions to it, human genetics, applications of genetic principles: problem solving in plants, animals, humans, pedigree analysis, disease prediction, introduction to linkage.
• Introduction of molecular biology; flow of genetic information: gene structure, transcription, translation.
• Fundamentals of the biochemical processes of obtaining and utilising energy, energy storage molecules; enzymes as biochemical catalysts.

Reading Materials:

Textbooks: