BIO100 Concepts of Biology (8)

This subject provides a comprehensive introduction to the study of biology. The syllabus covers seven key topics relevant to first year students commencing a degree in the life sciences and therefore effectively offers an introductory biology subject for all science courses, particularly animal science, as well as an introduction to plant science. The topics covered include: the cell, biomolecules and cellular biochemistry, cellular reproduction and genetics, animal anatomy and physiology, plant anatomy and physiology, evolution, ecology, and the biodiversity of life. Contemporary learning materials and an emphasis on real-world applications encourage students to engage with the topics, irrespective of their course.

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

Incompatible Subjects

BIO107, BIO129, BIO173

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to observe and record scientific information;
  • be able to apply basic techniques and become familiar with the equipment used to conduct biological investigations;
  • be able to describe and classify the biological basis for life;
  • be able to explain key biological concepts related to the cell, biochemistry and inheritance;
  • be able to explain key biological concepts related to both animal and plant anatomy and physiology; and
  • be able to describe the importance of diversity, evolution and the basic ecological drivers and interactions in populations, communities and ecosystems.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • The Cell - The nature of biology and science; Cells and the basis of life
  • Biomolecules and Cellular Biochemistry - The chemical basis of life; Biological molecules; Cell membranes and transport; Enzymes and bioenergetics; Energy from fuel molecules; Photosynthesis
  • Cellular Reproduction and Genetics - Cellular reproduction (mitosis and meiosis); Inheritance; DNA replication, transcription and translation; Gene expression and regulation; Biotechnology
  • Animal Anatomy and Physiology - Homeostasis and organisation of the animal body; Circulatory systems; Gas exchange; Animal and human nutrition; Excretory systems; Nervous systems; Skeletal and muscle systems; Animal reproduction and development
  • Plant Anatomy and Physiology - Plant structure and function; Plant reproduction and development
  • Evolution - Ecology; Evolution and revolutionary mechanisms
  • Ecology and the Biodiversity of Life - Classification of organisms and phylogeny; Prokaryotes; Protists; Plants; Fungi; Animals - Invertebrates and vertebrates

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of BIO100 in Session 1 2019. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Online formative writing task
10
2
Mid-session exam
25
3
Practical exam
30
4
Final exam
35

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 and develops technical skills in a number of laboratory skills areas. Topics undertaken in the laboratory include microscope skills, diffusion and osmosis practicals, animal and plant form and function practicals, functions of enzymes and carbohydrates practicals as well as biodiversity practicals. There is additionally a practical exam.

Special Resources

There is a 4 day residential school associated with this subject which may incur travel and accommodation expenses for students.. 

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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