BIOLOGY 1101 - Biology I: Molecules, Genes and Cells
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2022
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code BIOLOGY 1101 Course Biology I: Molecules, Genes and Cells Coordinating Unit School of Biological Sciences Term Semester 1 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 6 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Incompatible BIOLOGY 1401, BIOLOGY 1510, BIOLOGY 1001 Assumed Knowledge Familiarity with general biology and fundamental general chemistry Assessment End of Semester exam, MCQ tests, practical assessment Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Michelle Coulson
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
A successful student should be able to:
1 Describe the structures and biological functions of DNA, RNA, lipids, carbohydrates and protein. 2 Describe the structures of cells and their internal organelles. 3 Explain the differences between eukaryotes and prokaryotes. 4 Explain the metabolic pathways cells use to obtain and transform energy during the life cycle. 5 Explain osmosis, the role of lipid membranes and the consequence of a cell wall. 6 Explain the molecular basis of inheritance and cell division. 7 Measure, analyse and interpret experimental data. 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) Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.
1-7 Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.
7 Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills
Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.
1-7 Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness
Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.
7 Attribute 7: Digital capabilities
Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.
7 Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.
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Learning Resources
Required Resources
Personal Protective Equipment (Practicals):
Laboratory Coat
Safety Glasses
Recommended Resources
TextBook:
Campbell Biology 11e (Australian & NZ Edition)
Hardcopy and/or electronic copy
Mobile Device
An internet capable mobile device (eg phone, tablet, laptop etc) will allow realtime participation in lectures and workshops.
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 courseOnline Learning
Available on MyUni:
Links to Mastering Biology for self-directed learning modules and summative/formative Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Video introduction to the practicals and preparation quizzes for practicals
Files for viewing molecular structures in 3-D -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
This course will be delivered by the following means:
2 x 1 hour "Lectorials" per week
10 x 1 hour workshops per Semester
5 x 3 hour practicals per SemesterWorkload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
Contact Hours (48 hours)
Lectures 20 x 1 = 20 hours
Workshops 10 x 1 = 10 hours
Practicals 5 x 3 = 15 hours
Exam 1 x 3 hours = 3 hours.
Non-contact Hours (103 hours)
Weekly reading/other study 2 hours per week = 24 hours
Preparation for Lectures 2 hours per week = 24 hours
Preparation for Workshops 1 hour per workshop = 10 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 151 hoursLearning Activities Summary
The topics covered in the course (and supported by the tutorials, workshops, textbook and online resources) are as follows:- Lectures 1-5: The chemical basis of life, the origin of life, the classes of macromolecules with particular emphasis on proteins and their function
- Lectures 6-7 The cell as the basic structural unit of life, prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells, the endosymbiotic theory of plastid evolution, the cytoskeleton and mitosis.
- Lectures 8-9 Membrane structure and transport
- Lectures 10-14 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 15-17 DNA replication, transcription, RNA processing, translation and the genetic code, mutation, PCR.
- Lectures 18-20 Cell cycle, including mitosis and meiosis, patterns of inheritance (Mendelian), gene linkage, genomics
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Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Assessment Task Task Type Due Weighting Learning Outcome End of Semester Theory Examination Summative In examination period 30-60% 1-6 Redeemable Tests (x2) Summative Weeks 5 & 12 0-30% 1-6 Online modules/quizzes Formative and Summative Available throughout semester 10% 1-6 Workshop Assessment Formative and summative Weekly throughout semester 5% 1-6 Practical Assessment Formative and Summative Fortnightly throughout semester 25% 1-7 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 10% if used to redeem Lecture test 1)
C. optional section consisting of multiple choice questions
(potentially 10% if used to redeem workshop test 1).
D. optional section consisting of multiple choice questions
(potentially 10% if used to redeem workshop test 2).Redeemable Supervised Tests - Total
0-30%
Lecture test #1 - Closed book (Week 4) 10%
Workshop test #1 - Closed book (Week 8) 10%
Workshop test #2 - Closed book (Week 12 ) 10%Online modules /quizzes – Total
10%
An online tutorial and quiz will be available on MyUni during week 3.
Workshop Assessment
5%
All workshops are regarded as both formative and summative and each student will be assessed on their attendance AND participation (5%)
Practical Assessment - Total
25%
Practical 1: Worksheet (due at the completion of practical) 3%
Practical 2: Worksheet (due at the completion of practical) 3%
Practical 3: Worksheet (due at the completion of practical) 4%
Practical 4: Report (due 7 days after completion of the practical) 6%
Practical 5: Worksheet (due at the completion of your practical) 4%
Microscopy competency (due by end of Semester) 5%All practical assignments will be marked and returned to the students at their
following practical session
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.
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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.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- International Student Support
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
- YouX Student Care - Advocacy, confidential counselling, welfare support and advice
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Elder Conservatorium of Music Noise Management Plan
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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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.
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
