Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics

This course aims to introduce some of the major concepts in the study of life, focusing on evolutionary and ecological questions. It assumes no previous qualifications in biology and, while this course is an important prerequisite for those majoring in biology, it is also designed for students not intending further study in biology. The program consists of five modules, as follows. (a) Molecular Genetics – organisation and replication of genetic material; the mechanism and control of transcription and translation. (b) Genetics of Inheritance - Chromosomes and cell division; patterns of inheritance and sex determination; population genetics. (c) Evolution - diversity and classification of life; evidence for evolution; natural selection and adaptation; speciation; evolutionary trees. (d) Ecology - regulation and exploitation of populations; ecosystem energy and nutrient flow; species interactions; biodiversity; human impacts. (e) Behavioural Ecology - evolutionary approach to studying animal behaviour; social behaviour; cooperation and altruism; sexual selection; mating systems; communication. Specific topics may differ from year to year. There will be laboratory and field practicals as well as tutorials to allow students to gain the basic skills needed to engage with the main topics. Honours Pathway Option Subject to the approval of the course convenor, Honours Pathway students will be required to demonstrate greater depth in the philosophy and practice of measurement and analysis in the environmental and/or social sciences. This understanding will be facilitated in a small research project conducted under direct supervision of the convenor. Honours Pathway students can expect to attend an average of one additional one-hour tutorial session each fortnight and submit a written report or oral presentation focusing on interdisciplinary comparative techniques (10% of overall assessment).