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Biology Teaching and Learning Centre · ANU College of Science and Medicine
This course aims to introduce some of the major concepts in the study of life, focussing 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 the following modules: (a) Evolution - diversity and classification of life; evidence for evolution; natural selection and adaptation; speciation; evolutionary trees. (b) Molecular Genetics - organisation and replication of genetic material; the mechanism and control of transcription and translation. (c) Genetics of Inheritance - Chromosomes and cell division; patterns of inheritance and sex determination; population genetics; human genetics. (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. (f) Quantitative Biology - DNA and Protein sequence manipulation, similarity analysis, alignment, nucleotide and protein sequence database search. 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. Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but will be assessed separately
Mid-semester examination
Learning outcomes 1, 5, 6
Final examination
Learning outcomes 1, 4, 5, 6
Assignments
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Sequence analysis project
Learning outcomes 2, 3, 6, 7
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including: - Face-to face components which will consist of approximately 35 x 1 hour lectures per semester (35 hours total) and approximately 20 hours of tutorials/workshops/labs throughout the semester. - Approximately 75 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures and other assessment tasks. Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions.
Campbell, Reece and Meyers Biology 11th Edition Australian Version. PLEASE NOTE: the text available at the ANU Co-Op Bookshop contains an access code for Mastering Biology software that will give you access to supplementary support.