Introduction to Biology
Overview
This unit aims to develop an understanding of the fundamentals of biology, including different processes of scientific inquiry; develop an understanding of the structure and function of living organisms, including bacteria and viruses, their life processes and diversity; fundamentals of human genetics, their principles and contribution to diversity, understanding structural and functional process of digestion, animal nutrition and metabolism; role of enzymes in human metabolism; importance of different biomacromolecules; theory of evolutionary process and their types; and provide a strong basis for later applications and extensions of this knowledge in various fields, including biotechnology, genetics, human biology and the environment.
Requisites
31-January-2025
30-May-2025
26-September-2025
30-January-2026
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Explain the fundamental concepts of biology, and the unifying characteristics of living organisms.
- Apply the scientific method to study the natural world.
- Relate practical applications of evolution, cell biology, biochemistry, and genetics to the wider context of modern society.
- Demonstrate written scientific communication, collaborative and problem-solving skills, and proficiency in basic biological laboratory techniques.
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus (Class) |
2 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| On-campus (3 hour lab on alternate weeks) |
3 | 5 weeks | 15 |
| On-campus (3 hour practical on alternate weeks) |
3 | 5 weeks | 15 |
| Online (Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning) |
2 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Unspecified Activities (Independent Learning) |
6 | 12 weeks | 72 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULOs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Workbook | Individual | 20% | 1,3,4 |
| Code-based Project | Individual/Group | 30% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Online Quizzes | Individual | 20% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Laboratory Report | Individual | 30% | 2,3,4 |
Content
The curriculum is divided into four broad areas:
1. The fundamental properties of living organisms and the basics of scientific analyses:
- Characteristics of living organisms; Methods of scientific investigation, experimental design
- Diversity of life: characteristics of living organisms. Domains and kingdoms of organisms and their characteristics
- 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
2. Cells as the fundamental units of life:
- The structure and functions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
- Structures and roles of intracellular organelles
- Major cell and tissue types in plants and animals, their organisation and functions
- Replication and structure of bacteria and viruses
3. Genetic processes of encoding and regulating the cells activities and passing on hereditary information:
- Eukaryotic cell replication: the processes of mitosis and meiosis, the significance of each process
- Fundamentals of genetics
- Flow of genetic information: gene structure, mRNA transcription, protein translation
- Evolution
4. Biochemical processes of obtaining and utilising energy:
- Fundamentals of metabolism
- Enzymes as biochemical catalysts
- Energy storage molecules
- Biochemical processes of obtaining energy
- Utilising energy
- Animal digestion
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.