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Biology: Life's Machinery (BIOL10009)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5Not available in 2024
Overview
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This subject builds on students’ prior knowledge of biology, exploring the diversity and unity of life through the lens of five core concepts: evolution, cell theory, regulation, transmission of information and interconnectedness in biological systems. These concepts will be studied at the molecular, cellular, and individual level, including the evolution of life from the abiotic to the individual, the molecular and physical structure of the cell, cell replication and gene expression, homeostasis, photosynthesis and respiration, and interactions within and between organisms.
Intended learning outcomes
At the completion of this subject students should be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of life from the molecular level to the multicellular;
- recognize cells as the fundamental structural and functional unit of life with respect to their molecular machinery, cellular function and cellular interaction;
- explain the importance of information being conserved, or modified within, and transferred between, cells and organisms;
- describe the chemical nature of biological processes and the way cells and organisms regulate their (internal) environment;
- explain the interconnected and interacting nature of living systems by drawing on examples of networks at the molecular, cellular and individual levels;
- identify biology as an evolving science based on concepts developed from observations, experiments, and data analysis;
- identify connections between major concepts in biology; and
- design and perform an inquiry-based project and interpret the data
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of and apply the scientific process in a theoretical and practical setting;
- use appropriate protocols for making observations and recording data;
- competently use appropriate equipment;
- use quantitative reasoning and analysis;
- integrate biology with other disciplines;
- collaborate effectively in a team;
- understand the social, legal and ethical implications of studying and practising biology and of biological discoveries; and
- demonstrate well developed information literacy and communication skills.
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
A study score of 25 in VCE Biology Units 3 and 4, or equivalent.
Please see the subject notes below for information on how to submit your transcripts if you did not study the Victorian Certificate in Education (VCE).
Or
Admission into the MC-BIOMENG Master of Biomedical Engineering
Corequisites
Non-allowed subjects
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
BIOL10008 | Foundational Biology: Life's Machinery |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
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
Subject notes:
If you did not study the Victorian Certificate in Education (VCE) please submit a copy of all your relevant transcripts via an Enrolment Variation form. You will then be enrolled in the correct Biology subject(s). There is no need to contact the subject coordinator directly. The Enrolments team will refer you to the Subject Coordinator if required.
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Assessment
Semester 1
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
3 Tests (Test 1 and 3 are 30 minutes 10% each; Test 2 is an invigilated 60 minute MST 20%)
| Throughout the semester | 40% |
Laboratory practical attendance and completion of in class activities Hurdle requirement: Student participation in practical activities for at least 80% of the practical classes as demonstrated by submission of practical notes and activities completed before and during class. For the purposes of meeting this hurdle requirement, each submission must be submitted during or immediately after class, be complete and constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task. | N/A | |
Written Report
| From Week 10 to Week 12 | 20% |
Written examination
| During the examination period | 40% |
Summer Term
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
3 Tests (Test 1 and 3 are 30 minutes 10% each; Test 2 is an invigilated 60 minute MST 20%)
| Throughout the semester | 40% |
Laboratory practical attendance and completion of in class activities Hurdle requirement: Student participation in practical activities for at least 80% of the practical classes as demonstrated by submission of practical notes and activities completed before and during class. For the purposes of meeting this hurdle requirement, each submission must be submitted during or immediately after class, be complete and constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task. | N/A | |
Written Report
| From Week 5 to Week 6 | 20% |
Written examination
| During the examination period | 40% |
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Dates & times
Not available in 2024
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 175 hours (100 hours assessment, 51 hours on-campus contact and 24 hours independent online study)
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 11 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Sadava DE, Hillis DM, Heller HC, Hacker SD, and Hall DW, Life: The Science of Biology 12th edition, Macmillan, 2020, ISBN 9781319315788
Recommended texts and other resources
Knox R B , Ladiges P Y, Evans B K and Saint R , Biology, An Australian Focus 5th Ed, McGraw-Hill, 2014
- Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- 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.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 11 April 2024