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Systems Biology (BIOL10006)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Dookie)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
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
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Mid-semester examination approximately week 6
| Week 6 | 20% |
Practical report 1 submitted in pairs
| Week 5 | 5% |
Practical report 2 submitted in pairs
| Week 9 | 5% |
Assignment 1 due approximately week 12
| Week 12 | 30% |
Examination
| End of semester | 40% |
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Paul Cheng Mode of delivery On Campus (Dookie) Contact hours 24 hours of lectures, 24 hours of tutorials, 24 hours of practicals Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 2 March 2020 to 7 June 2020 Last self-enrol date 13 March 2020 Census date 30 April 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 June 2020 Assessment period ends 3 July 2020 Semester 1 contact information
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:
Type Name Course Diploma 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