BIO100 Concepts of Biology (8)

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 Outlines
Current CSU students can view Subject Outlines for recent sessions. Please note that Subject Outlines and assessment tasks are updated each session.

Availability

* Offering has a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Session 1 (30)
On Campus
Wagga Wagga Campus
Online *
Wagga Wagga Campus

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.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

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

Incompatible Subjects

BIO107, BIO129, BIO173

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to describe the biological basis for life on earth
  • be able to explain key biological concepts related to the cell, inheritance, evolution, ecology, animal anatomy and physiology, and plant anatomy and physiology  
  • be able to observe and record scientific information
  • be able to apply basic techniques used to investigate organisms
  • be able to use basic equipment important in biological investigations

Syllabus

This 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? 
    • Earths 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 4 day Compulsory Residential School.

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

Special Resources

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

Contact

Current Students

For any enquiries about subject selection or course structure please contact Student Central or ask@csu.edu.au or phone on 1800 275 278.

Prospective Students

For further information about Charles Sturt University, or this course offering, please contact info.csu on 1800 275 278 (free call within Australia) or enquire online.

The information contained in the 2018 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: August 2018. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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