Biology for Land and Food Resources

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

The subject introduces students to biological concepts and skills which will form the foundation of other 'biology-based subjects'.

The subject covers areas including:

• cell biology and metabolism: molecules of life - water, organic compounds, ions, polymers (proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides), supramolecular structures; organelles, membranes and walls; unicellular and multicellular organisms, cell division, mitosis; cell differentiation and specialisation; diversity and unity of cell structure, prokaryotes and eukaryotes; tissues and organs; major metabolic pathways, primary and secondary metabolism; enzymes; photosynthesis and photorespiration, chloroplasts, respiration, glycolysis, fermentation;

• inheritance: protein synthesis and gene expression; brief description of DNA, RNA, the double helix, recombination and mutation; Mendelian genetics;

• plant structure and function: roots, stems, leaves, meristems, flowers and seeds; plant cells and tissues, anatomical diversity; transpiration and translocation; nutrient uptake; primary and secondary growth;

• animal structure and function: tissues, organs and organ systems; comparative anatomy; homeostasis; nutrient uptake, circulation, gas and fluid exchange; structure of selected invertebrate groups, especially insects; mammalian structures; differences between animal and plant anatomy;

• reproduction and nutrition: heterotrophy and autotrophy; nutrients and nutrient cycling; productivity; gametogenesis - process and structures in plants and animals; fertilisation, seed development, germination, emergence; gestation, embryo development, parturition, hatching; life cycles; animal growth (briefly);

• introduction to biodiversity and evolution: populations, communities and ecosystems; adaptation; phylogeny and evolution (brief introduction only); and

• practicals: will emphasise the handling and identification of biological material and the use of microscopes and other instruments.

Recommended Texts:

• Biology (R B Knox, P Y Ladiges, B K Evans and R Saint), McGraw Hill, 2001

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Information Not Available