Concepts in Biology (483.6)
| Available teaching periods | Delivery mode | Location |
|---|---|---|
| View teaching periods | ||
| EFTSL | Credit points | Faculty |
| 0.125 | 3 | Faculty Of Education, Science, Technology & Maths |
| Discipline | Study level | HECS Bands |
| Academic Program Area - 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. Apply knowledge of basic concepts in the areas of cellular function, metabolism, genetics and evolution to interpret biological phenomena;
2. Collect, record, analyse and interpret biological data related to these concepts and communicate these interpretations both in writing and orally; and
3. Design and conduct experiments which examine some of these concepts.
Graduate attributes
1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology
Prerequisites
None| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Delivery mode | Unit convener |
|---|
Required texts
Required texts:
Simon, E., Dickey, J., Hogan, K. A. & Reece, J. (2016). Campbell Essential Biology: Global Edition (6th ed.). Essex, England: Pearson Education Limited
This text may be purchased from the UC Co-op Bookshop, and is also available as a short-term loan from the UC library. The earlier edition - Simon, E., Dickey, J. & Reece J. (2014), Campbell Essential Biology with Physiology: international Edition (4th ed.) - is also suitable.
Additional readings and other learning materials will be provided on the Concepts in Biology unit Moodle website.
Submission of assessment items
Special assessment requirements
An aggregated mark of 50% is required to pass the unit.
Additionally, to pass this unit, a student must:
- Achieve a minimum average of 40% in the mid-semester exam and final exam.
- Participate in 80% of the practicals and tutorials.
- Attempt the practical report, the e-portfolio task,the mid-semester exam and the final exam.
The unit convener reserves the right to question students orally on any of their submitted work.
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
In this unit, there is a total of 41 hours of contact time in the semester (12 hours lectures +18 hours practicals + 11 hours tutorials). It is expected that students will spend ~5 hours each week on self-directed study of the specified learning materials, prior to that week's contact hours (~60hours over the semester). The remaining time is allocated for working on the assessment items, including revising for the final exam, completing the weekly quizzes, completing the practical report, and compiling the e-portfolio.
Participation requirements
Participation in practical and tutorial classes is a compulsory condition of this unit in order to attain the learning outcomes, and attendance will be recorded. You must participate in at least 7 out of 9 practical classes and 8 out of the 11 tutorials in order to pass the unit. In the event that you cannot attend your assigned practical or tutorial class due to illness or unavoidable commitments, contact the Unit Convener as soon as possible to negotiate an alternate class later in the week (if available). Students must provide a medical or counsellors certificate or other relevant supporting documentation if they are absent from their practical or tutorial class.
Required IT skills
Use of standard reporting and spreadsheet software, use of the Moodle interface via the internet, and access to University of Canberra email, are requirements for this Unit.
In-unit costs
None
Work placement, internships or practicums
Not applicable for this unit.
Additional information
Foundation of Unit
The learning and assessment modes associated with this unit are designed to develop the fundamental biology skills of the students undertaking the unit.
Provision of information to the group
Notifications through the Moodle Announcements Forum or the Moodle Discussion Forums are deemed to be made to the whole class. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they check for announcements on the Unit's Moodle website (Moodle forum messages are also emailed to student email addresses only). Students should ensure they check their student email regularly. The Moodle discussion forums will be checked by staff regularly.
Use of student email account
The University Email policy states that "students wishing to contact the University via email regarding administrative or academic matters need to send the email from the University account for identity verification purposes". Therefore all unit enquiries should be emailed using a student university email account. Students should contact servicedesk@canberra.edu.au if they have any issues accessing their university email account.
In all cases of absence, sickness or personal problems it is the student's responsibility to ensure that the unit Convener is informed. The minimum participation requirement must be met in order to pass the unit (regardless of supporting documentation).
Animal Experimentation
This unit does not involve any animal dissection but you will be required to examine preserved organisms and animal cells under a microscope.
