This course provides an introduction to the biochemical, cellular, genetic and evolutionary aspects of life on Earth. It is structured around four content areas:
(a) The Chemistry of Life, which covers the chemical foundations that underpin cellular life;
(b) The Cell, which covers the structure and replication of cells, the basic unit of life on Earth. This section will also examine key aspects of cellular metabolism;
(c) Genetics, which covers the inheritance of DNA, the genetic material of life, and charts how the information stored in DNA is decoded into the proteins that facilitate cellular biology;
(d) Mechanisms of Evolution, which provides an introduction to the processes that have generated the diversity of life on Earth.
The course will draw on examples from research being undertaken at ANU, and will highlight how biological knowledge can be used to address societal, environmental, technological and medical challenges facing humanity. Practicals in the course will provide students with fundamental research skills in biochemistry, cellular biology and genetics. This course provides a critical foundation for further study in biology and medicine, and is a standalone course accessible to students across the University.
Honours Pathway Option
Subject to the approval of the course convenor, Honours Pathway students can undertake a course extension consisting of a small research project that will develop additional skills and knowledge in molecular and cellular biology. 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 the project (10% of overall assessment).
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain the biochemical and metabolic processes that provide the foundations of cellular life; the structure and replication of cells; the role of cell specialisation in multicellular organisms; the structure, replication and function of DNA; the processes of evolution, including the principles of natural selection;
- Describe how new biological knowledge is developed, and be able to critically analyse key experiments in biology;
- Perform fundamental biological experiments, such as the use of microscopes, pipetting, and safe handling and manipulation of biological samples;
- Generate and accurately record raw experimental data;
- Critically interpret and describe experimental data and discuss the significance of experimental results in a broader biological context.
Other Information
Students should note that BIOL1020, together with BIOL1030, CHEM1101 and CHEM1201, are prerequisites for many later-year courses offered by the Research School of Biology.
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.
Biology is an experimental discipline requiring the development of hands-on laboratory skills. It is expected that students will attend all laboratory sessions and submit all associated reports. Where there are extenuating circumstances that prevent a student from attending a lab, missed attendance has to be agreed with the course convener and appropriate supporting documentation submitted through the appropriate channels. There is a minimum lab attendance threshold of 80%. 80% of practical assessments must be submitted and must demonstrate a reasonable attempt to satisfy the requirements of the assignment.
Indicative Assessment
- Quizzes (20) [LO 1,2,5]
- Practical assessments (hurdle) (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Final exam - hurdle requirement to achieve at least 40% on the exam (40) [LO 1,2,5]
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
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face components, which will consist of approximately 36 x 1 hour lectures per semester (e.g. 3 x 1 hour lectures per week) and approximately 24 hours of workshops/labs (e.g. 8 x 3hr sessions throughout the semester).
- Approximately 70 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures through engagement with the on-line textbook and completing practical assessments.
Students are expected to actively participate in course activities.
Inherent Requirements
In this course, to meet Learning Outcomes 3 and 4, students learn how to undertake biological experiments. 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, L.A., Cain, M.L., Wasserman, S.A., Minorsky, P.V., Reece, J.B. and Jackson, M., 2021. Campbell biology: Australian and New Zealand version. 12th ed. Melbourne: Pearson Australia.
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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3983 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |