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Biology: Life's Complexity (BIOL10011)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5Not available in 2024

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Overview

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This subject builds on students’ prior knowledge of biology and will investigate five core concepts in biology: evolution, structure & function, regulation, transmission of information and interconnectedness. These concepts will be studied at the level of the individual, population, community, ecosystem and biome. Topics include evolution of the diversity of life, and evolution in response to natural and human-induced environmental changes (from antibiotic resistance to climate change); the structure, function and behaviour of organisms and how these change across environmental gradients; energy flow and material cycling through organisms and ecosystems; transmission of genetic, social and cultural information between organisms in a population or community; relationships between individuals, populations, species and their environment, and the processes that shape populations, ecological communities and ecosystems.

Intended learning outcomes

At the completion of this subject students should be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of evolution and the underlying processes that have resulted in the diversity and complexity of life on earth;
  • describe the structural and functional complexity that results from the aggregation of cells into organised organs and systems;
  • explain metabolic and physiological regulation as it relates to the maintenance of homeostasis in individual organisms;
  • identify communication and information flows between organisms and within and between populations;
  • describe energy flow and material cycling through individual organisms, ecosystems and biomes;
  • explain the interconnectedness in living systems including that between parents and offspring, and ecological interactions of organisms;
  • 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;
  • collaborate effectively in a team;
  • demonstrate well developed information literacy and communication skills.

Last updated: 8 November 2024