This course will introduce important ideas and issues in biology and examine how biology intersects with other disciplines, both scientific and non-scientific, such as philosophy and history. Major concepts such as evolution and the importance of biodiversity, and the impact of new biological approaches, such as genetic modification, will be discussed and debated. The importance of understanding how biology is carried out and how it is applied and communicated to other scientists and society, will be examined.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On completion of this course students will be able to:
1. Describe the origin of biological principles and processes and their contribution to modern technologies.
2. Discuss the basis and application of important concepts underpinning biology.
3. Explain the role of biology in our society, how it is practised and applied to global problems such as biodiversity, climate change, medicine, and the use of GM foods and crops.
4. Have developed skills necessary to acquire, assess and communicate new information relating to new discoveries in biology or that involve biological principles and processes.
Indicative Assessment
‘Critical Thinking Pieces’ (3 submissions: 10% each = 30%):
Funding Proposal (15%):
In class critical review activity (10%):
Peer review Technology Essay (35%):
Course participation (10%).
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 including two to three lectures per week, about six sessions of two-hour long debates and group work.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Majors
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. Tuition fees are indexed annually. 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 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $3096 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $4146 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2507 | 16 Feb 2015 | 06 Mar 2015 | 31 Mar 2015 | 29 May 2015 | In Person | N/A |
