This introductory biology course explores the diversity of living organisms on Earth. Students will:

(a)   Investigate the evolutionary history and relationships among major lineages, developing an understanding of how life has diversified over time;

(b)   Examine the unique biology of bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi, plants, and animals;

(c) Delve into the structure and function of plants and animals, including development, nutrition, physiology, reproduction, and behaviour;

(d)   Explore ecological principles, such as population dynamics, ecosystems, and global change, that connect organisms to broader environmental patterns and conservation issues.

Through lectures, laboratory practicals, and assessment items, students will build scientific literacy, analytical skills, and an appreciation for the complexity and interconnectedness of life forms and their environment. Drawing on examples from research being undertaken at ANU, this course provides a critical foundation for further study in biology and the life sciences. It is also a standalone course accessible to students across the University.

Honours Pathway Option

Entry to this option will be subject to the approval of the course convener.

In this HPO, students will be introduced to the key philosophical and practical aspects of molecular phylogenetics in understanding the evolutionary history of animals. Guided preparatory readings will be provided before the 1-day or 2 half day workshops introducing the various steps of applying analyses. The dates for these HPO classes will be posted by week 3 of semester. Students will be expected to write and submit a report which states the problem, describes analyses, and provides evaluation and conclusions. This proportion of assessment will replace 10% of the overall course assessment. Students may opt out at any time prior to the last day of the teaching semester. 

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Explain the evolutionary history of life on earth, the interaction between structure and function across all forms of life, and interpret this in the context of their evolutionary history;
2. Discuss and apply core ecological concepts to interpret patterns of biodiversity, species interactions and environmental change;
3. Perform essential laboratory techniques, such as microscopy, specimen handling, and identification of plant and animal anatomy;
4. Interpret and communicate scientific data, reflect critically on biological knowledge and its relevance to contemporary global challenges;
5. Demonstrate scientific reasoning by applying core concepts across levels of biological organisation. 

Research-Led Teaching

The lecturers are all globally respected and active researchers in the topics they teach. They draw on their own, plus other cutting edge, research during their teaching in this course. Students are given the opportunity to experience enquiry-oriented learning during the practical classes, providing a challenging introduction to active participation in research.

Field Trips

There will be a field trip to the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Week 9. We will be meeting at the regular lab start time of 2pm at the UNA sculpture between buildings 134 and 136, and making our way to the gardens on foot. Make sure you are dressed appropriately for the weather. As Monday is a public holiday, students from the Monday lab may attend any other session in the week. Please get in touch with the convenor at BIOL1030@anu.edu.au if you have accessibility concerns.

Additional Course Costs

Purchase of one hard copy practical manual is required (cost ~$7). Students are expected to bring this hard copy practical manual with them to every practical class because electronic devices cannot be used in the laboratories. You will also need to wear a lab coat, shoes that fully cover your feet and safety glasses will be required.

Examination Material or equipment

pencil, pen, eraser, non-programmable calculator

Required Resources

Urry et al.’s Campbell's Biology 12th Australian Edition. An electronic version of the textbook along with learning resources is linked to your Student ID via Pearson Mastering on enrolling to the course. You will need to be able to access Pearson Mastering for your weekly quizzes as well.

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

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

• Microsoft 360 apps installed on your computer for completing assignments. We will be using advanced functions not available on the web version or in Google docs.
• 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.
• Reliable, stable internet connection for online assessment. Computer labs are available on campus if you do not have this at home.
• 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 receive feedback in the forms of written comments, verbal comments, answers to questions, feedback to the whole class, to individuals and 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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Referencing requirements

Students will be guided on referencing in the class room and through help documents made available through Canvas if applicable. BIOL1030 uses the EJCB's Harvard style of referencing.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/european-journal-of-cell-biology/publish/guide-for-authors

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Lecture Topics: Evolution and Diversity of Life (Maja Adamska)Lecture days/times: Monday:  10am - 11am, Thursday: 9am - 10am, Friday: 1pm - 2pm in Manning Clark Hall, Lowitja O'Donoghue Cultural Centre (Rm 1.04, Bldg 153)	Weekly Quiz
2	Lecture Topics: Evolution and Diversity of Life (Maja Adamska)Microscopy Laboratory Practical	Weekly Quiz, Lab Assessment
3	Lecture Topics: Evolution and Diversity of Life (Maja Adamska)Diversity Tutorial	Weekly Quiz
4	Lecture Topics: Plant Form and Function (Owen Atkin)Invert + Plant Practical	Weekly Quiz, Lab AssessmentAssignment 1 due
5	Lecture Topics: Plant Form and Function (Owen Atkin)Plants Tutorial	Weekly Quiz,
6	Lecture Topics: Plant Form and Function (Owen Atkin)Plant Laboratory Practical?	Weekly Quiz, Lab Assessment,Assignment 2 due
7	Lecture Topic: Animal Form and Function (Dan Noble)Laboratory Practical	Weekly Quiz, Lab Assessment,Assignment 3 due
8	Lecture Topics: Animal Form and Function (Dan Noble)Animals Tutorial	Weekly Quiz
9	Lecture Topics: Animal Form and Function (Dan Noble)ANBG?	Weekly Quiz,
10	Lecture Topic: Ecology (Damien Farine)Ecology Laboratory Practical	Weekly Quiz, Lab Assessment
11	Lecture Topic: Ecology (Damien Farine)Ecology Tutorial	Weekly Quiz,
12	Lecture Topic: Ecology (Damien Farine)	Weekly Quiz,Assignment 4 due

Tutorial Registration

Register on MyTT

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Quizzes (20% in total)	20 %	1,2,5
Practical Assessment (40% in total)	40 %	1,2,3,4,5
Final Exam	40 %	1,2,5

* 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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

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

Practical Class attendance is a requirement for passing this course and also for being allowed to sit each assessment. Therefore you must attend them. Quizzes and practical assessments are held in each lab. If you do not attend the session, you will not be permitted to sit the related assessment task and you will not receive any marks for that practical. An equivalent procedure will be made available only for students who have a verified reason for their absence.

Examination(s)

To pass the course you must:

• attend a minimum of 80% of lab practicals,
• submit a minimum of 80% of practical assessments, demonstrating a reasonable attempt to satisfy the requirements of the assignment.
• get a mark 40% or above for the final exam, and
• obtain a course mark 50% or above.

Students who gain a course mark 50 or above and achieve 40% or above in the final exam will receive their course mark as their grade.

Students who gain a course mark under 45 and achieve 40% or above in the final exam will receive a "fail" with their course mark as their grade.

Students who gain a course mark under 45 and achieve less than 40% in the final exam will receive a "fail - course requirements not met" (NCN) as their grade.

Students who gain a course mark over 45 but achieve less than 40% in the final exam will be offered a supplementary exam (PX).

Students who gain a course mark between 45 and 50 but achieve above 40% in the final exam will be offered a supplementary exam (PX).

Students who gain a course mark 50 or above but gain less than 40% in the final exam will be offered a supplementary exam (PX).

Students who pass the supplementart exam will receive a "PS50" as their grade.

• Students who fail the supplementary exam will receive a "fail - course requirements not met" (NCN) as their grade.

Assessment Task 1

Quizzes (20% in total)

Weekly online quizzes (12 in total) via Pearson Mastering Biology close on Friday 5pm each week, and are worth 0.833% each, 10% of your grade in total.

Lab quizzes are on paper at the beginning of each lab (5 in total) and are worth 2% each, 10% of your grade in total.

Assessment Task 2

Practical Assessment (40% in total)

Lab books or equivalent tasks (5 in total) are to be completed by the end of each lab and are worth 2% each, 10% of your grade in total.

Written assignments (4 in total) are to be submitted online on the weeks indicated in the course schedule via Canvas Assignments and are worth 7.5% each, 30% of your grade in total.

Assessment Task 3

Final Exam

Theory exam of course content, including a couple of capstone challenge questions that will enable your application of major concepts that were covered through out semester. It will be a mixture of short answer and multiple-choice questions and is worth 40% of the final grade.

Due: End of semester exam period

Returned: When semester grades are released

The date range in the Assessment Summary indicates the start of the end of semester exam period and the date official end of semester results are released on ISIS. Please check the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time, style and location exam.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

Lab Books and Lab Quizzes. Make sure you submit your lab quiz to your demonstrator on competion of the quiz. Make sure your lab book mark is signed off in your lab book and has been entered in your demonstrator's grade sheet before the end of class.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission of Quizzes and Lab Books is not permitted.
• Assignments submitted after the due date will accrue a 5% penalty per working day for a maximum o 10 working days, after which a grade of 0 is entered.
• Assignment extension request must be submitted before the assignment due date with accompanying documentation via the ANU Extension App. https://apps.powerapps.com/play/e/1bd8c27b-9d7c-eb20-842b-fc9cd96617c4/a/e1c36bb7-b273-4a30-9d82-8e886e9b6eb8?tenantId=e37d725c-ab5c-4624-9ae5-f0533e486437&hint=58a50fd0-d27e-4ba0-a3a2-fb14a7963b80&source=sharebutton&sourcetime=1731987819860

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Student work will be returned during classes or can be collected from the RSB Teaching and Learning counter as advised. Electronic submissions will be made available through Canvas

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted 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

Not permitted

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 Accessibility 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 supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students