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Systems Biology (BIOL10006)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Dookie)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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This subject provides students with an understanding of the living world, familiarising students with the fundamentals of cell structure and function, cell reproduction and genetics, systems involved in energy transformations, nutrition, water uptake, gas exchange, excretion, circulation and immune responses, structure and function of plants and animals, biodiversity, evolution and ecosystems.

Intended learning outcomes

This subject introduces students to biological concepts and systems and includes:



  • Cell biology and metabolism: molecules of life, water, organic compounds, ions polymers (proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides), organelles, membranes and walls; unicellular and multicellular organisms, cell division, mitosis
  • Cell differentiation and specialisation; diversity and unity of cell structure, prokaryotes and eukaryotes; tissues and organs; major metabolic pathways, metabolism; enzymes
  • Photosynthesis and photorespiration, glycolysis, fermentation; plant structure and function; roots, stems, leaves, meristems, flowers and seeds; plant cells and tissues, anatomical diversity; transpiration and translocation
  • Mendelian genetics; inheritance; brief description of DNA, RNA, the double helix, recombination and mutation; protein synthesis and gene expression
  • Animal structure and function; tissues, organs and organ systems; comparative anatomy; homoeostasis
  • Nutrient uptake, circulation, gas and fluid exchange; differences between animal and plant anatomy
  • Structure of selected invertebrate groups especially insects
  • Mammalian structures
  • Nutrient uptake; primary and secondary growth; reproduction and nutrition; heterotrophy and autotrophy; nutrients and nutrient cycling; productivity
  • Gametogenesis, process and structures in plants and animals; fertilisation, seed development, parturition, hatching; life cycles
  • An introduction to biodiversity and evolution; populations, communities and ecosystem adaptation, phylogeny

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, students should:

  • Be able to critically assess and assimilate new knowledge to use these skills to solve problems
  • Be able to complete basic manipulations with laboratory equipment
  • Have developed skills in recording observations, analysis and interpretation of data, and dissection techniques
  • Be able to work in small groups

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Assessment

Additional details

  • 1-hour mid-semester examination due approximately week 6 (20%)
  • Practical report 1 (500 words) submitted in pairs due week 5 (5%)
  • Practical report 2 (500 words) submitted in pairs due week 9 (5%)
  • Assignment 1 (1500 words) due approximately week 12 (30%)
  • 1.5-hour end-of-semester examination (40%)

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorPaul Cheng
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Dookie)
    Contact hours36 hours lectures, 12 hours tutorials, 24 hours practicals, 12 hours computer-aided learning
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 4 March 2019 to 2 June 2019
    Last self-enrol date15 March 2019
    Census date31 March 2019
    Last date to withdraw without fail10 May 2019
    Assessment period ends28 June 2019

    Semester 1 contact information

    contact

Time commitment details

170 hours

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    Recommended texts and other resources

    "Biology: an Australian Focus" Knox et alia (2010) 4th edition, McGraw Hill

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseDiploma in General Studies
  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

Last updated: 3 November 2022