This course aims to introduce some of the major concepts in the study of life, focusing on evolutionary and ecological questions. It assumes no previous qualifications in biology and, while this course is an important prerequisite for those majoring in biology, it is also designed for students not intending further study in biology. The program consists of five modules, as follows.
(a) Molecular Genetics – organisation and replication of genetic material; the mechanism and control of transcription and translation.
(b) Genetics of Inheritance - Chromosomes and cell division; patterns of inheritance and sex determination; population genetics.
(c) Evolution - diversity and classification of life; evidence for evolution; natural selection and adaptation; speciation; evolutionary trees.
(d) Ecology - regulation and exploitation of populations; ecosystem energy and nutrient flow; species interactions; biodiversity; human impacts.
(e) Behavioural Ecology - evolutionary approach to studying animal behaviour; social behaviour; cooperation and altruism; sexual selection; mating systems; communication.
Specific topics may differ from year to year. There will be laboratory and field practicals as well as tutorials to allow students to gain the basic skills needed to engage with the main topics.
Honours Pathway Option
Subject to the approval of the course convenor, Honours Pathway students will be required to demonstrate greater depth in the philosophy and practice of measurement and analysis in the environmental and/or social sciences. This understanding will be facilitated in a small research project conducted under direct supervision of the convenor. Honours Pathway students can expect to attend an average of one additional one-hour tutorial session each fortnight and submit a written report or oral presentation focusing on interdisciplinary comparative techniques (10% of overall assessment).
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Acquire knowledge and understanding of the processes of evolution, including natural selection, adaptation and speciation, genetics, including DNA structure and function, cell replication, heritability and population genetics; ecology, including biomes, species diversity, extinction, population ecology and life-history; behavioural ecology, and how it uses an evolutionary, genetic and ecological framework to study animal behaviour.
- Reference scientific papers, present scientific data and develop directional hypotheses.
- Perform basic biological manipulation and sample handling techniques.
- Apply knowledge of experimental limitations to interpret unreliable data and communicate the results.
- Make and interpret structured observations to draw conclusions about complex interactions.
- Broadly understand how biological knowledge is developed, and apply this framework to critically engage with new biological scenarios.
Work Integrated Learning
Projects
Indicative Assessment
- Mid-semester examination - hurdle requirement to achieve at least 40% on the combined grade of the two exams (20) [LO 1,5,6]
- Practical Assignments (32) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Quizzes (18) [LO 1,4,5,6]
- Final examination - hurdle requirement to achieve at least 40% on the combined grade of the two exams (30) [LO 1,4,5,6]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face components which will consist of approximately 35 x 1 hour lectures per semester (35 hours total) and approximately 20 hours of tutorials/workshops/labs throughout the semester.
- Approximately 75 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures and other assessment tasks.
Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Inherent Requirements
In this course, to meet Learning Outcomes 3 and 5, students learn how to interpret sensory observations to make precise laboratory manipulations. This requires students to be able to:
- manipulate experimental equipment with a high degree of precision;
- interpret their own visual observations and tactile sensations; and
- safely participate in the biology laboratories.
Students who can provide evidence they are unable to meet these requirements may be able to negotiate alternative participation and assessment requirements with the course convenor.
Prescribed Texts
Urry et al. — Campbell Biology 11th or 12th Edition Australian Version
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4440 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $6360 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3585 | 19 Feb 2024 | 26 Feb 2024 | 05 Apr 2024 | 24 May 2024 | In Person | View |
