Biology 1A introduces students to cellular systems, both at the unicellular and multicellular level. A comparative investigation of these biological systems highlights the specialisation and variation across organisms, relating to real-life examples of disease, treatments and current research.

Normally, four lectures per week at 9am or 12pm plus one 3-hour lab per week at 9am or 1pm. 

The course will be assessed by a 60-minute examination (30%) plus in-course assessment (70%) consisting of:

■ 2x written assignments

■ 1x group project

■ 1x class test 

■ 1x student-generated content assessment

The aims of the course are:

■ To provide a broad-based understanding of modern biology at the organismal level;

■ To develop general scientific skills and an awareness of current scientific research in Life Sciences;

■ To develop digital literacy skills and graduate attributes.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

■ Describe the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes;

■ Describe key biological systems including cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous and immune systems;

■ Discuss major ecological concepts;

■ Analyse and interpret scientific data and literature;

■ Demonstrate practical laboratory skills.