Introduction to Biology (8774.3)

Please note these are the 2026 details for this unit
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Introduction to Biology
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods On-campus
 UC College, Bruce, ACT
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)
This unit provides an introduction to key concepts in the biological sciences including cell theory, inheritance and genetics, evolution and biodiversity, and animal and plant form and function. It will include basic laboratory skills such as microscopy and the handling of biological materials.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts in biology, and how to apply this knowledge in novel settings;
2. Apply skills in biological investigations and the analysis of biological data;
3. Apply skills in working in a group; and
4. Apply skills in communicating ideas in biology.


Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. 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
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 - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware


Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
2026 UC College, Bruce, ACT Semester 1 16 February 2026 On-campus Dr Robert Berthon
2026 UC College, Bruce, ACT Semester 2 10 August 2026 On-campus Dr Robert Berthon
The information provided should be used as a guide only. Timetables may not be finalised until week 2 of the teaching period and are subject to change. Search for the unit timetable.

Required texts

There are no required texts for this unit. However, you may want to purchase our custom text: Biological Concepts 11722 (2022), Pearson Publishing. 

This may be purchased online as an e-text, or a print version. There are copies of this text, and copies of the parent book: Campbell Biology 11th edition by Urry et al, 2018, in the University of Canberra library.

Note: you will be continuing with the same text book in Biology 1 in the following semester.

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

Artificial intelligence

Students are not permitted to use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in assessments for this unit, except for Studiosity Writing Feedback Plus to seek feedback on drafts of their assessments.

GenAI may only be used in authorised ways when completing assessments at UC. This means that GenAI can only be used for an assessment when:

  1. the Unit Convener has authorised GenAI use for that assessment
  2. the student uses GenAI in the way that the assessment instructions allow
  3. the student fully acknowledges their use of GenAI, with proper citations, references and a GenAI Acknowledgement Statement in line with the assessment instructions.

Where the assessment instructions do not specifically state that GenAI may be used and how, then its use is not permitted for that assessment. Students must still provide the required GenAI Acknowledgement Statement to indicate whether GenAI has or has not been used in the preparation of the assessment. If unsure, students should seek advice from the Unit Convener.

The GenAI for Students Library Guide provides further information, including how to reference GenAI

Special assessment requirements

The final mark for this subject will be calculated by an accumulation of marks from each assessment item. The details are stated in the Assessment Item Details section of the unit outline

Acquisition of practical skills is necessary in order to demonstrate Unit Learning Outcomes 2 (ULO2) - "Apply skills in biological investigations and the analysis of biological data", and in order to meet requirements aligned to WIL skills.

Practical skills gained during this unit include these 11 skills: Lab safety, Use of microscopes, Correct waste procedures , Produce scientific drawings , Preparation of slides , Interpetation and collecting data, Classifying Arthropods, Mechansisms of genetic change, Understanding morphological changes in hominid evolution, Understanding expression of phenotypes from genotypes, Identifying phases of cell reproduction. In order to demonstrate WIL skills and achievement of the ULOs, students must gain a minimum of 10/12 of these skills which can be achieved by fully participating in a minimum of 10/12 sessions throughout semester. Full participation involves attending and personally completing the required tasks.

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, students are required to participate in 24 on-campus contact hours (12 sessions).  It is expected that students will also attend 26 hours of workshops (13 sessions)  during the semester. The remaining 100 hours are devoted to private and group study to prepare for, and complete, quizzes and assessments and to develop a good depth of understanding of the content delivered in this unit. 

Participation requirements

Acquisition of practical skills is necessary in order to demonstrate Unit Learning Outcomes 2 (ULO2) - "Apply skills in biological investigations and the analysis of biological data", and in order to meet requirements aligned to WIL skills.

Practical skills gained during this unit include these 11 skills: Lab safety, Use of microscopes, Correct waste procedures , Produce scientific drawings , Preparation of slides , Interpetation and collecting data, Classifying Arthropods, Mechansisms of genetic change, Understanding morphological changes in hominid evolution, Understanding expression of phenotypes from genotypes, Identifying phases of cell reproduction. In order to demonstrate WIL skills and achievement of the ULOs, students must gain a minimum of 10/12 of these skills which can be achieved by fully participating in a minimum of 10/12 sessions throughout semester. Full participation involves attending and personally completing the required tasks.

Required IT skills

Knowledge of Word, PowerPoint and Excel is assumed.

Work placement, internships or practicums

None

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