Introductory Biology for Land and Food

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

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 and includes:

• cell biology and metabolism: molecules of life, water, organic compounds, ions, polymers (proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides), 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, metabolism; enzymes;

• photosynthesis and photorespiration, 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;

• animal structure and function: tissues, organs and organ systems; comparative anatomy; homoeostasis;

• nutrient uptake, circulation, gas and fluid exchange; differences between animal and plant anatomy;

• structure of selected invertebrate groups, especially insects;

• mammalian structures;

• nutrient uptake; primary and secondary growth; 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; and

• introduction to biodiversity and evolution: populations, communities and ecosystems, adaptation, phylogeny.

Practicals will emphasise the handling and identification of biological material and the use of microscopes and other instruments.

Mid-semester examination (15%); end of semester 3-hour examination (40% of final marks); two assignments equivalent to 2000 words (each worth 15% of final marks); and practical reports (15% of final marks).

Hurdle Requirement: 80% of practicals must be attended to pass this subject.

Recommended Texts:

• Biology (R B Knox, P Y Ladiges and B K Evans), McGraw Hill, 1994
• Biology (N Campbell and J Reece), Benjamin Cummings, 2002

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Information Not Available

The subject does not assume prior secondary study of biology at Year 11 or 12, although this would be an advantage.

SUBJECT NOT OFFERED AFTER 2008. Students repeating this subject will be offered a flexible delivery package.