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

It is the default expectation that all courses will offer opportunities for reassessment or deferred assessment. Where it is not possible to offer this in some assessment components, the grade achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade, and any exceptions for this course are described below.

[No exceptions]

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.