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Unit description

Covers material on cell structure, physio-chemical cellular responses, plant and animal physiology, structure and diversity, elementary genetics, population concepts, natural selection and evolution as well as the necessary practical techniques required to demonstrate biological processes in living organisms. Initiates the development of competence in practical skills and scientific report writing.

Unit content

Introduction to biological hierarchies – molecules to biosphere • Life criteria, cell theory, cell, tissue and organ structure • Photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration • Plant structure, diversity and classification • Animal physiology, structure, diversity and classification • Cell replication, genetics and heredity, molecular genetics • Evolution

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1explain the cellular basis of life, and describe such processes as diffusion, osmosis, active uptake, photosynthesis and respirationIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
2list the diagnostic features by which living organisms are classified into taxonomic groups and outline phylogenetic relationshipsIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
3state the morphological, anatomical and physiological features of living organisms that adapt them to their environmentIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
4describe elements of plant and animal physiologyIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
5describe how cells divide and explain the genetic basis of heredity and population variationIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
6discuss the origins of variation within a population and the manner in which natural selection operates on that variation to produce evolutionary changeIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
7apply a range of practical skills.Intellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. explain the cellular basis of life, and describe such processes as diffusion, osmosis, active uptake, photosynthesis and respiration
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  2. list the diagnostic features by which living organisms are classified into taxonomic groups and outline phylogenetic relationships
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  3. state the morphological, anatomical and physiological features of living organisms that adapt them to their environment
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  4. describe elements of plant and animal physiology
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  5. describe how cells divide and explain the genetic basis of heredity and population variation
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  6. discuss the origins of variation within a population and the manner in which natural selection operates on that variation to produce evolutionary change
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  7. apply a range of practical skills.
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Prescribed texts

  • This book is available in various editions, any of which could be used: Reece, JB, Taylor, MR, Simon, EJ & Dickey, JL, 2015, Campbell Biology: Pearson New International Edition: Concepts and Connections, 8th edn, Pearson, San Francisco. ISBN: 9781292057804.
Prescribed texts may change in future study periods.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method
Lecture online 2 hrs (11 weeks)
Practical session 3 hrs (11 weeks)
Assessment
Practical skills15%
Quiz15%
Report30%
Exam: closed book40%

Teaching method
Lecture on-site 2 hours (11 weeks)
Practical session 3 hours (11 weeks)
Assessment
Practical skills15%
Quiz15%
Report30%
Exam: closed book40%

Teaching method
Practical session 3 hrs (11 weeks)
Lecture on-site 2 hrs (11 weeks)
Assessment
Practical skills15%
Quiz15%
Report30%
Exam: closed book40%
Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the study session.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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