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BIO100 Concepts of Biology (8)

CSU Discipline Area: Biological Sciences (BILSC)

Duration: One session

Abstract:

This subject provides a fairly comprehensive but not overwhelming introduction to the subject of biology. The syllabus covers six key topics relevant to any students commencing a degree an area involving biology. These topics include: the cell, inheritance, evolution, ecology, animal anatomy and physiology, and plant anatomy and physiology. The material is presented in a straightforward, clear and engaging way with an emphasis on case studies, real-world applications. The subject involves some laboratory work (which is presented during a 4 day residential school for distance education students). The subject has been designed to contain a total estimated workload of 160 hours.  

+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations

Session 1
Internal Albury-Wodonga
Internal Wagga Wagga
Distance *Wagga Wagga

*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: BIO100

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Enrolment restrictions:

 Students who have previously completed BIO173 Introductory Biology, BIO107 Concepts of Biology or  BIO129 Environmental Biology may not enrol in this subject

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

Syllabus:

The subject will cover the following topics:

  1. An Introduction to Life on Earth,  
  2. The Life of a Cell, including some of the topics below:
    • Atoms, Molecules, and Life  
    • Biological Molecules  
    • Cell Structure and Function  
    • Cell Membrane Structure and Function
    • Energy Flow in the Life of a Cell  
    • Capturing Solar Energy: Photosynthesis  
    • Harvesting Energy: Glycolysis and Cellular Respiration  
  3. Inheritance, including some of the topics below:
    • DNA: The Molecule of Heredity  
    • Gene Expression and Regulation  
    • The Continuity of Life: Cellular Reproduction  
    • Patterns of Inheritance  
    • Biotechnology  
  4. Evolution, including some of the topics below:
    • Principles of Evolution  
    • How Organisms Evolve  
    • The Origin of Species  
    • The History of Life  
    • Systematics: Seeking Order Amidst Diversity  
    • The Diversity of Prokaryotes and Viruses
    • The Diversity of Protists
    • The Diversity of Plants  
    • The Diversity of Fungi  
    • Animal Diversity I: Invertebrates  
    • Animal Diversity II: Vertebrates  
  5. Behaviour and Ecology, including some of the topics below:
    • Animal Behaviour  
    • Population Growth and Regulation  
    • Community Interactions  
    • How Do Ecosystems Work? 
    • Earth’s Diverse Ecosystems
    • Conserving Life on Earth 
  6. Animal Anatomy and Physiology, including some of the topics below:
    • Homeostasis and the Organization of the Animal Body  
    • Circulation  
    • Respiration  
    • Nutrition and Digestion  
    • The Urinary System  
    • Defences Against Disease  
    • Chemical Control of the Animal Body: The Endocrine System  
    • The Nervous System and the Senses  
    • Action and Support: The Muscles and Skeleton  
    • Animal Reproduction 
    • Animal Development  
  7. Plant Anatomy and Physiology, including some of the topics below:
    • Plant Anatomy and Nutrient Transport  
    • Plant Reproduction and Development  
    • Plant Responses to the Environment  

Residential School

This subject contains a compulsory 4 day residential school.

This residential school covers a range of practical and laboratory work associated with the syllabus

Specialised Resources

There is a 4 day residential school associated with this subject. 

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The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.