• Offered by Biology Teaching and Learning Centre
  • ANU College ANU Joint Colleges of Science
  • Classification Advanced
  • Course subject Biology
  • Academic career PGRD
  • Course convener
    • Dr David Rowell
    • Dr Helen Berg
  • Mode of delivery In Person
  • Offered in Second Semester 2014
    See Future Offerings

This course will describe the way biologists generate and assess evidence.  The use of biological models from bacteria, plants and animals will be discussed, with their advantages and limitations.  The value of different experimental approaches including hypothesis-driven research and large scale data generation, such as genome sequencing projects will be considered.  Quantitative reasoning and analysis will be introduced with examples of its application to biological problems.  Students will participate in one of a few practical exercises to develop and test hypotheses and then, as a group, compare and contrast the application of statistical approaches to interpret the data.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Apply different experimental approaches in biology and know when to use experimental models.

2. Design biological experiments to address specific questions

3. Demonstrate practical skills and critical analysis and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data.

4. Describe and apply different statistical approaches to result analysis and interpretation

5. Apply the knowledge gained to problem-solving and other areas of biology.

Indicative Assessment

    • Short report write-ups (3x 10%; LO 2, 3, 4)

    • Modelling Exercise worksheets (5%; LO 1, 3)

    • Navigation Practical Report  (10%; LO 2, 3)

    • Quizzes (2 x 5%each) 10%

    • Extra Assignment (20%; LO 1, 5)

    • Exam (25%; LO 1, 2, 4, 5)

      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

      Up to 65 contact hours per semester, involving two lectures per week, four practical sessions and up to six small and large tutorials.

      Requisite and Incompatibility

      Enrolment in Programs 7609, 7629, 7631 and 7632 only.  Incompatible with BIOL2202

      Assumed Knowledge

      Bachelor degree with first year biology; some knowledge of statistics.

      Fees

      Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.  

      If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Students continuing in their current program of study will have their tuition fees indexed annually from the year in which you commenced your program. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.

      Student Contribution Band:
      2
      Unit value:
      6 units

      If you are an undergraduate student and 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). You can find your student contribution amount for each course 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
      Domestic fee paying students
      Year Fee Description
      1994-2003 $1650
      2014 $2946
      2013 $2946
      2012 $2946
      2011 $2946
      2010 $2358
      2009 $2358
      2008 $2358
      2007 $2358
      2006 $2358
      2005 $2358
      2004 $2160
      International fee paying students
      Year Fee
      1994-2003 $3606
      2014 $3762
      2013 $3756
      2012 $3756
      2011 $3756
      2010 $3750
      2009 $3618
      2008 $3618
      2007 $3618
      2006 $3618
      2005 $3618
      2004 $3618
      Note: Please note that fee information is for current year only.

      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.

      The list of offerings for future years is indicative only.
      Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.

      Second Semester

      Class number Class start date Last day to enrol Census date Class end date Mode Of Delivery Class Summary
      8169 21 Jul 2014 08 Aug 2014 31 Aug 2014 30 Oct 2014 In Person N/A

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