Biology of Cells and Organisms

Subject 650-141 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Lectures, tutorials and computer workshops

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 36 one-hour lectures (three per week), 30 hours of practical activities, pre-laboratory activities and computer workshops (independent learning tasks), averaging 3 hours per week and 10 one-hour tutorial/workshop sessions.
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours total time commitment.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: Credit cannot be gained for this subject and 600-141 (before 2004), 600-131 (before 2004), 650-131 or 202-103.
Core Participation Requirements:

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the University’s programs. This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this with the subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Dawn Yvonne Gleeson
Subject Overview: Structure and function of multicellular organisms including cell function, systems involved in energy transformations, nutrition, water uptake, excretion, gas exchange, circulation, and immune responses; plant and animal reproduction and development; mechanisms involved in responsiveness and coordination: hormonal control in plants and animals, and nervous systems in animals; and animal movement and behaviour.
Objectives:

The aim of this subject is to familiarise students with modern concepts of cell and organismal biology, including structure and function.

At the completion of this subject, students should:
  • have a knowledge of the basic processes of life;
  • be familiar with the structure and function of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells;
  • understand the structure and function of organisms, and how these features contribute to the overall functioning of organisms;
  • understand the mechanisms of plant and animal reproduction and development;
  • be able to complete basic manipulations with laboratory equipment, in particular the use of microscopes; and
  • develop skills in recording observations, analysis and interpretation of data, and dissection techniques.
Assessment:

A 40-minute, on-line multiple choice test held mid-semester (10%); work in practical classes during the semester, made up of written work not exceeding 1500 words, assessment of practical skills within the practical class, and no more than 4 short multiple choice tests (25%), completion of 4 independent learning tasks throughout the semester (5%); a 3-hour written examination on theory and practical work in the examination period (60%). A pass in the practical work is necessary to pass the subject.
Prescribed Texts: R B Knox, P Y Ladiges, B K Evans and R Saint, Biology, An Australian Focus 3rd edn, McGraw-Hill, 2004.
Breadth Options:

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

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.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

At the completion of this subject, students should:

  • have a knowledge of the basic processes of life;

  • be familiar with the structure and function of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells;

  • understand the structure and function of organisms, and how these features contribute to the overall functioning of organisms;

  • understand the mechanisms of plant and animal reproduction and development;

  • be able to complete basic manipulations with laboratory equipment, in particular the use of microscopes; and

  • develop skills in recording observations, analysis and interpretation of data, and dissection techniques.
Notes:

Students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course will receive science credit for the completion of this subject.

Experiments involving the use of animals are an essential part of this subject; exemption from these experiments is not possible.

This is a joint botany and zoology subject.

Students are expected to enrol in both Biology of Cells and Organisms and Genetics & The Evolution of Life.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Agriculture
Bachelor of Optometry
Bachelor of Veterinary Science(PV)
Diploma in Arts (Environmental Studies)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Biology and Botany
Environmental Studies Major
First year biology

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