Big Questions in Biology is a course about important issues in biology: understanding how biology is carried out, how biology intersects with other disciplines (both scientific and non-scientific) and how it is applied and communicated. Major concepts such as evolution, biodiversity, climate change and the impact of new biological approaches, such as genetic modification, will be discussed and debated. Students are encouraged to critically think about biological concepts in a world-view context, ask questions and challenge ideas, and communicate ideas through writing and discussion. This means that there are no “right” and “wrong” answers for the assignments, but instead students will need to consider the material presented in lectures and apply what they have learned to their views of biology and biologists.The aims of the course are to:

• introduce current hot topics in biology in the context of both science and society
• encourage students to critically think about the process of investigation
• provide opportunities for students to develop information literacy, peer review, critique and communication skills about biological subjects
• gain an understanding of where biology fits in the broader context of our society
• gain skills to effectively evaluate and communicate information related to new discoveries of “big questions” in biological research.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Discuss and critique discoveries of biological principles and processes and their contribution to modern technologies.
2. Construct well-supported arguments about the nature of biological research and its impact on society.
3. Evaluate the role of biology in our society and how it is applied to global problems such as biodiversity, climate change, medicine, and the use of GM foods and crops.
4. Acquire, assess and communicate information relating to new discoveries in biological research using peer-review, verbal communication and writing.

Research-Led Teaching

In BIOL3201, students are encouraged to critically think about biological concepts in a world-view context, ask questions and challenge ideas, and communicate ideas through writing and discussion. This means that there are no “right” and “wrong” answers for the assignments, but instead students will need to consider the material presented in lectures and apply what they have learned to their views of biology and biologists. An important part of this is providing evidence and examples for their opinions. The workshops are designed to give students an opportunity to identify and discuss the issues that will form the basis of the writing assignments.

Required Resources

Students must purchase "The Double Helix" by James Watson (1968) which is available in the main BTLC office. All other reading and resources are provided via the wattle course website.

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

 

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Nature of Science: Big Questions
2	Writing about Science and Peer-Review	Blog 1
3	Scientific Method: What scientists do	Peer-Review Workshop in-class assessment due
4	Controversies in Science	Response to Blog 1
5	Applying scientific rigor: Climate change biology	Critical Thinking Piece (CTP) 1 draft
6	Science of Covid-19	CTP final 1
7	Climate Change	Blog 2
8	Climate Change: research applications	Response to Blog 2
9	Genetically Modified Organisms	Climate Change Workshop in-class assessment due
10	Integrating applied science: Climate change and GMOs
11	Nature of Science revisited	CTP 2 final
12	Final Synthesis	Oral Presentations in-class assessment
13	final exam week	Final Reflection essay

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Blog #1: Big Questions in Biology (5%)	5 %	03/03/2021	12/03/2021	1,2
Workshop Peer-Review activity (10%)	10 %	11/03/2021	26/03/2021	1,2,3,4
Response to Blog 1 (2.5%)	2 %	17/03/2021	26/03/2021	1
DRAFT of Critical Thinking Piece 1: Nature of Science (5%)	5 %	22/03/2021	29/03/2021	1
Critical Thinking Piece 1: Nature of Science (10%)	10 %	01/04/2021	19/04/2021	1,2,3,4
Blog 2 (5%)	5 %	21/04/2021	30/04/2021	1
Weekly Forum (5%)	5 %	*	*	1,2,3,4
Response to Blog 2 (2.5%)	3 %	28/04/2021	07/05/2021	1
Climate Change Workshop (10%)	10 %	06/05/2021	21/05/2021	1,2,3,4
Critical Thinking Piece 2 (15%)	15 %	17/05/2021	31/05/2021	1,3,4
Final Synthesis Oral Presentation (15%)	15 %	27/05/2021	11/06/2021	1,2,3,4
Final Synthesis Essay (15%)	15 %	09/06/2021	19/06/2021	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

This course consists of interactive workshops, where students discuss biological concepts, challenge paradigms, write and present in small groups and provide constructive feedback to peers. Students are expected to participate in each class and workshop through discussions with their classmates and peer-review.

We will accommodate for remote delivery via online Zoom during live workshops. Students will be able to join live discussion groups online.

Examination(s)

This course has no formal “exams”. Students are assessed through several writing and presentation assignments.

Assessment Task 1

Blog #1: Big Questions in Biology (5%)

A personal reflection and informal task reflecting on a topic discussed in lectures and/or readings about a current “big question” in biology.

Assessment Task 2

Workshop Peer-Review activity (10%)

Working in table groups during the Week 4 workshop, students will be lead through a peer-review activity, which involve critiquing short writing pieces distributed during the workshop (in-class worksheet will be provided). Peer-Review Worksheet due in your following workshop.

Assessment Task 3

Response to Blog 1 (2.5%)

A peer-review critical response to three posted "Blog 1" reflections of other students.

Assessment Task 4

DRAFT of Critical Thinking Piece 1: Nature of Science (5%)

Short reflective writing assignment (600 word limit) addressing a specific topic linked to a lecture module / assigned readings. They are reflective writing assignments that are designed to promote critical thinking by providing an opportunity to do some “exploratory” writing. Students will link lecture material with personal and evidence-based ideas backed by examples supported by the literature.

Assessment Task 5

Critical Thinking Piece 1: Nature of Science (10%)

Revision of CTP1 draft: Short reflective writing assignment (600 word limit) addressing a specific topic linked to a lecture module / assigned readings. They are reflective writing assignments that are designed to promote critical thinking by providing an opportunity to do some “exploratory” writing. Students will link lecture material with personal and evidence-based ideas backed by examples supported by the literature.

Assessment Task 6

Blog 2 (5%)

A personal reflection and informal task reflecting on a topic discussed in lectures and/or readings.

Assessment Task 7

Weekly Forum (5%)

Short responses to focused questions each week on a student public forum (10 total).

Students are expected to contribute on an on-going basis throughout the semester.

Assessment Task 8

Response to Blog 2 (2.5%)

A peer-review critical response to three posted "Blog 2" reflections of other students.

Assessment Task 9

Climate Change Workshop (10%)

Working in table groups during the Week 9 and 10 workshops, students will be lead through activities involving climate change issues (in-class worksheet will be provided). Climate Change Worksheet due in following week

Assessment Task 10

Critical Thinking Piece 2 (15%)

Revision of CTP2: Short reflective writing assignment (600 word limit) addressing a specific topic linked to a lecture module / assigned readings. They are reflective writing assignments that are designed to promote critical thinking by providing an opportunity to do some “exploratory” writing. Students will link lecture material with personal and evidence-based ideas backed by examples supported by the literature.

Assessment Task 11

Final Synthesis Oral Presentation (15%)

Interactive mini seminar/conference in small groups followed by discussion period. Students will prepare a 10-min powerpoint presentation in small groups and present it to their table. This activity will concentrate on a big question in biology, where students have incorporating the synthesis of course discussions into a final synthesis presentation. Conducted in your workshop in Week 12.

Assessment Task 12

Final Synthesis Essay (15%)

A reflective writing piece (1000 word limit) integrating the nature of science with applications to global health issues raised in the course. This piece will include supporting your ideas and arguments with examples and at least 5 literature citations.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

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.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

No submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date will be permitted. If an assessment task is not submitted by the due date, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Assignments will be returned in approximately 5 days after the due date so students can incorporate feedback and improve their subsequent assignments.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

There are no resubmissions of assignments in this course.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students