Diversity of Life and Habitats (11772.1)
| Available teaching periods | Delivery mode | Location |
|---|---|---|
| View teaching periods | On-campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
| EFTSL | Credit points | Faculty |
| 0.125 | 3 | Faculty Of Science And Technology |
| Discipline | Study level | HECS Bands |
| School Of Science | Level 1 - Undergraduate Introductory Unit | Band 2 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021) Band 3 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021) |
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:1. Identify and classify the fundamental components of physical environments;
2. Identify and classify the basic structure and function of organisms;
3. Integrate and apply physical, ecological and evolutionary principles to interpret the diversity of life;
4. Demonstrate an understanding of spatial patterns in diversity based on fundamental physical and biological factors; and
5. Describe and explain elements of the natural world using scientific inquiry-based approaches.
Graduate attributes
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology
Prerequisites
None.Corequisites
None.Incompatible units
None.Equivalent units
623 Plants and AnimalsAssumed knowledge
None.| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Delivery mode | Unit convener |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 2 | 10 August 2026 | On-campus | Dr Adrian Dusting |
| 2027 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 2 | 09 August 2027 | On-campus | Dr Adrian Dusting |
| 2028 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 2 | 07 August 2028 | On-campus | Dr Adrian Dusting |
Required texts
There is no required text for this unit, although access to the following (via the library or other units such as 11722 Biological Concepts) will be useful:
Urry et al. (2021) Campbell Biology, 12th edition (Australian and New Zealand Version). Pearson. ISBN-13: 9781488626241.
Submission of assessment items
Extensions & Late submissions
Artificial intelligence
Restricted - The use of GenAI is NOT allowed in completing the assessments in this unit. More detailed information can be found at GenAI and Assessment at UC.
Special assessment requirements
The final mark for this subject will be calculated by an accumulation of marks from each assessment item. To achieve a passing grade or higher in this subject, students must achieve a final aggregate mark of 50% or higher.
The unit convenor reserves the right to question students on any of their submitted work for moderation and academic integrity purposes.
Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.
Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.
UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).
UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.
Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.
Learner engagement
The contact hours for each student in this unit consist of 24 hours of workshops (2 hr x 12 weeks) and 22 hours of practicals (2 hr x 11 weeks). The remaining 104 hours of workload should be distributed across self-directed study and the various assessment tasks.
Note that some optional extension activities may be made available during semester. Students are strongly encouraged to complement their studies by completing these activities, however they are optional and hence additional to the 150 hours of notional workload associated this unit.
Participation requirements
Participation in lectures, workshops and practicals is highly recommended. The lecture/workshop sessions will be interactive and potentially involve outdoor activities. In some cases this will render lecture recording unfeasible, hence the expectation is that all students will attend the 2 hr lecture/workshop in full. Lack of participation may result in your inability to satisfactorily pass assessment items.
Participation in practicals is required in order to complete in-class assessment tasks. In the event that you cannot attend your assigned practical due to illness or unavoidable commitments, contact the unit convener as soon as possible to negotiate an alternative practical class (if available). You will need to provide a medical or counsellor's certificate in such circumstances.
Required IT skills
An ability to use basic word processing and spreadsheet software. Any additional training will be provided as part of classes.
Work placement, internships or practicums
There are no formal WIL activities in this unit. However students will be participating in activities that simulate real-world field experiences and should endeavour to approach these activities with apposite professionalism.
Additional information
Laboratory and field safety
Practicals for this unit are run in a laboratory environment. It is essential that students are familiar with lab safety requirements prior to their first practical. Safety practices include wearing closed shoes while in the laboratory. Similarly, students are required to wear appropriate field clothing for on-campus and self-directed field trips/outdoor activities, this includes footwear, hats and clothing appropriate to the situation and weather.
Provision of information
Notifications through the unit's Canvas site (including in Announcements or Discussion fora) and via UC email are deemed to be made to the whole class. It is the responsiblity of the student to ensure that they regularly check their student email and the unit's Canvas website.
Caveat
Unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the teaching team could result in changes to the mode of delivery of lectures, workshops and practicals, and to assessments. Students will be advised if this occurs and appropriate alternatives will be arranged.
