BIOLOGY 1101 - Biology I: Molecules, Genes and Cells

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014

The study of biology covers an incredibly wide range of themes; from simple molecules, cells, organelles and tissues to whole organisms and their interaction with the environment and their ability to evolve. The aim of this course is to introduce many of these concepts, thereby providing the foundation for further studies in semester 2 courses and more specialist level II/III courses. Topics to be covered include the chemicals of life, macromolecules, the role of nucleic acids in genetic information transfer, protein synthesis, lipid membranes and the structure of cells, storage and utilisation of energy, meiosis and mitosis.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code BIOLOGY 1101
    Course Biology I: Molecules, Genes and Cells
    Coordinating Unit School of Molecular and Biomedical Sci(Inactive)
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 5.5 hours per week
    Incompatible BIOLOGY 1101MED, BIOLOGY 1102MED, ENV BIOl 1000AlB & GENETICS 1000AlB
    Assessment End of semester exam, MCQ and theory tests, practicaql assessment and tutorial assessment
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Grant Booker

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    A successful student should be able to:
    1 display an understanding of the basic building blocks and processes fundamental to Biology
    2 understand that the cell is the basic unit of structure of all living organisms
    3 appreciate the experimental foundations that underpin our understanding of biology
    4 work cooperatively in tutorials and practicals, to gain deeper understanding
    5 display an understanding of the observational and experimental character of the scientific method and biology
    6 analyse and interpret experimental data and to appreciate the limitations of experimental design and the critical importance of controls
    7 write practical reports and to present the experimental results in a valid scientific manner
    8 display scientific curiosity and to appreciate the importance of asking questions
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1-8
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1-8
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1-8
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 7,8
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 6,7
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1-8
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1-8
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 8
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Online Free Textbook:
    OpenStax Biology,
    (Openstax College, Rice University, USA)

    Optional Textbook:
    Campbell Biology 8th or 9th ed
    (Pearson Education)

    Personal Protective Equipment (Practicals):
    Laboratory Coat
    Safety Glasses

    Recommended Resources
    MyUni:
    Course resources as provided including video/audio recording of lectures and copies of PowerPoint slides, as well as additional reading/recommended texts

    Weblinks:
    As specified during the course
    Online Learning
    Available on MyUni:
    Summative/Formative Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
    Self-directed learning modules on basic chemistry principles
    Video introduction to the practicals
    Files for viewing molecular structures in 3-D
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course will be delivered by the following means:
    3 x 1 hour lectures per week
    1 x 3 hour practical per fortnight
    1 x 1 hour tutorial per week
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Contact Hours (64 hours)
    Lectures 34 x 1 = 34 hours
    Tutorials 12 x 1 = 12 hours
    Practicals 5 x 3 = 15 hours
    Exam 1 x 3 hours = 3 hours.

    Non-contact Hours (93 hours)
    Weekly reading/other study 3 hours per week  = 36 hours
    Preparation for tutorials 1 hour per week = 12 hours
    Preparation for Practicals 2 hours per practical = 10 hours
    Preparation for Tests = 10 hours
    Preparation of Practical assessment = 10 hours
    Exam preparation= 15 hours
     
    Total = approximately 157 hours
    Learning Activities Summary
    The topics covered in the course (and supported by the textbook and online resources) are as follows:
    • Lectures 1-7: The chemical basis of life, the origin of life, the classes of macromolecules with particular emphasis on proteins and their function
    • Lectures 8-10 The cell as the basic structural unit of life, prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells, the endosymbiotic theory of plastid evolution, the cytoskeleton and mitosis.
    • Lectures 11-13 Membrane structure and transport
    • Lectures 14-20 Enzymes as biological catalysts, ATP as the universal energy currency, cellular energetics with emphasis on glucose oxidation, including glycolysis, citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, photosynthesis
    • Lectures 21-25 DNA replication, transcription, RNA processing, translation and the genetic code, mutation, PCR.
    • Lectures 27-32 Cell cycle, including mitosis and meiosis, patterns of inheritance (Mendelian), gene linkage, genomics
    • Lectures 33-34 Revision sessions
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment TaskTask TypeDueWeightingLearning Outcome
    Online tests Formative and Summative Weeks 3 & 6 10%  1-3
    Redeemable Tests (x2) Summative Weeks 8 & 12 30% 1-3
    Practical Assessment Formative and Summative Fortnightly throughout semester 25% 1-8
    Tutorial Assessment Formative and Summative Weekly throughout semester 5% 1-5,8
    End of Semester Theory Examination Summative In examination period 30-60% 1-3
    Assessment Detail

    End of Semester Theory Examination

    30-60%

    The examination will be divided into three sections:

    A. compulsory section consisting of short answer questions (30%)

    B. optional section consisting of multiple choice questions

        (potentially 15% if used to redeem lecture test 1)

    C. optional section consisting of multiple choice questions

        (potentially 15% if used to redeem lecture test 2).

    On line Tests – Total

    10%

    Online MCQ Test #1 (by COB Week 3*) 5%

    Online MCQ Test #2 (by COB Week 6*) 5%

    * All students can complete each online MCQ test at a time and place of their

    choosing during the period the quiz is open. Students receive immediate feedback

    upon completion of each quiz

    Redeemable Supervised Tests - Total

    0-30%

    Lecture test #1 (Week8)    15%

    Lecture test #2 (Week12)   15%

    Practical Assessment - Total

    25%

    Practical 1: Worksheet (due at the completion of practical) 3%

    Practical 2: Worksheet (due at the completion of practical) 5%

    Practical 3: Worksheet (due at the completion of practical) 5%

    Practical 4: Report (due 7 days after completion of the practical) 7%

    Practical 5: Worksheet (due at the completion of your practical) 5%

    All practical assignments will be marked and returned to the students at their

    following practical session

    Tutorial Assessment - Total

    5%

    All tutorials are regarded as both formative and summative and each student will be

    assessed on their attendance AND participation (5%)

    Submission
    • On-line Quiz assessments will by undertaken using MyUni.
    • Practical worksheet and report assessments will be submitted via Turnitin.


    If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that the assignment is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied.
    This means that an assignment that is 5 days late or more without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the marks available for that assignment.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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