Concepts in Biology (483.7)
| Available teaching periods | Delivery mode | Location |
|---|---|---|
| View teaching periods | ||
| EFTSL | Credit points | Faculty |
| 0.125 | 3 | Faculty Of Science And Technology |
| 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.Incompatible units
None.Equivalent units
None.Assumed knowledge
None.| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Delivery mode | Unit convener |
|---|
Required texts
Required texts:
Our text is customised from Campbell Biology (11th edition) by Urry et al (2018). Essex, England: Pearson Education Limited
The e-text or a printed copy may be purchased online. Details will be given on the Canvas unit site. The customised version of this textbook is available as a short-term loan from the UC library. The complete version of this textbook is also available as a short-term loan from the UC library.
Additional readings and other learning materials will be provided on the Concepts in Biology unit Canvas website.
Submission of assessment items
Extensions & Late submissions
Approval of extensions based on extenuating circumstances will be dependent upon the production of supporting documentation and at the discretion of the unit convener. Please email the extension request form and documentation to the unit convener.
Application for Deferred Mid-semester Assessment and Final Exam
If extenuating circumstances prevent a student from completing the mid-semester assessment or final exam on the due date and time, an application to complete the deferred mid-semester assessment or final exam must be made online via the Deferred Assessment Dropbox which will be on the unit Canvas site. This application must be received within three days of the due date and time of the relevant assessment. The application must include supporting documentation such as a medical certificate.
Special assessment requirements
Final grades are allocated according to the aggregate of marks achieved in all assessment items. The final mark is out of a possible 100 marks. The weighting of each assessment item is stated in Section 5A of the unit outline.
To pass this unit, a student must:
- Achieve a minimum of 40% in the final exam.
- Participate in at least 7 of the 9 practicals, and 8 of the 10 workshops.
- Attempt the practical report, the e-portfolio task, the mid-semester assessment and the final exam.
- Achieve an aggregated mark of at least 50%.
Academic integrity
Students have a responsibility to uphold University standards on ethical scholarship. Good scholarship involves building on the work of others and use of others' work must be acknowledged with proper attribution made. Cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of data are dishonest practices that contravene academic values. Refer to the University's Student Charter for more information.
To enhance understanding of academic integrity, all students are expected to complete the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) at least once during their course of study. You can access this module within UCLearn (Canvas) through the 'Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism' link in the Study Help site.
Use of Text-Matching Software
The University of Canberra uses text-matching software to help students and staff reduce plagiarism and improve understanding of academic integrity. The software matches submitted text in student assignments against material from various sources: the internet, published books and journals, and previously submitted student texts.
Learner engagement
In this unit, there is a total of 39 hours of contact time in the semester (11 hours of lectures + 18 hours of practicals + 10 hours of workshops). It is expected that students will spend approximately 5 hours each week on self-directed study of the specified learning materials, prior to that week's contact hours (approximately 60 hours over the semester). The remaining time is allocated for working on the assessment items, including revising for the mid-semester assessment and final exam, completing the weekly quizzes, completing the practical report, and compiling the e-portfolio.
Participation requirements
Participation in practical and workshop 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 10 workshops in order to pass the unit. In the event that you cannot attend your assigned practical or workshop 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 counsellor's certificate or other relevant supporting documentation if they are absent from their practical or workshop class.
Required IT skills
Use of standard reporting and spreadsheet software, use of the Canvas interface via the internet, and access to University of Canberra email, are requirements for this unit.
In-unit costs
The Practical and Workshop Manual is required and can be purchased from the UC shop for a small cost.
A laboratory coat is required to be worn at every practical session. This can be purchased from the UC shop.
Work placement, internships or practicums
None
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 Canvas Announcements Forum or the Canvas 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 Canvas website . Students should ensure they check their student email regularly. The Canvas discussion forum will be checked regularly by teaching staff.
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.
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. Vinegar flies (Drosophila melanogaster) will be euthanised as part of the experiment undertaken in this unit.
