Course coordinator
Dr Millicent Smith
Appointments are available by request, please email to arrange an appropriate time.
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- Gatton
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- Gatton
- Coordinating unit
- Agriculture and Food Sustainability School
This course provides an introduction to the basic biology of organisms. Students will examine life at increasing levels of biological complexity from the molecular and cellular levels to the whole organism. Early in the course, the content is common to all organisms and later diverges into plants and groups other than vertebrates. Students can use this underpinning knowledge for further study in biological and ecological sciences.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that students have some basic knowledge of general biology. Online learning modules will be available through Learn.UQ at the beginning of semester to help students adequately prepare for the course.
Restrictions
Any student who has completed BIOL1020, BIOL1030 or BIOL1040 will need permission from the Faculty of Science to enrol into AGRC1021. Please contact the Faculty of Science.
Course contact
Lecturer
Dr Millicent Smith
Appointments are available by request, please email to arrange an appropriate time.
Lecturer
Dr Suresh Krishnasamy
Appointments are available by request, please email to arrange an appropriate time.
Lecturer
Associate Professor Brett Ferguson
Appointments are available by request, please email to arrange an appropriate time.
Guest lecturer
Professor Victor Galea
Appointments are available by request, please email to arrange an appropriate time.
Lecturer
Associate Professor Paul Ebert
Appointments are available by request, please email to arrange an appropriate time.
Guest lecturer
Dr Alwyn Williams
Appointments are available by request, please email to arrange an appropriate time.
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
If you have any concerns regarding your official timetable or course allocations, or there are no suitable class times available, contact Faculty of Science Timetable science.mytimetable@uq.edu.au for advice.
If you have any questions about missing class activities, please contact your course coordinator.
Aims and outcomes
This course introduces the themes of modern biology. The material presented in this course provides essential understanding of biological concepts necessary for further study in biological and ecological sciences.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe concepts of biology from cell to organism level
LO2.
Interpret complex biological processes occurring in applied scenarios
LO3.
Apply knowledge of biology to a practical problem
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Dynamic Study Modules
|
32% |
Dynamic Study Modules associated with 'The Cell': 24/03/2025 2:00 pm Dynamic Study Modules associated with 'Genetics': 7/04/2025 2:00 pm Dynamic Study Modules associated with 'Biological Diversity': 6/05/2025 2:00 pm Dynamic Study Modules associated with 'Plants': 26/05/2025 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
In-Semester Examination
|
20% |
In-semester Saturday 29/03/2025 - 12/04/2025 |
| Examination, Practical/ Demonstration |
Practical Exam
|
28% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
20% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Dynamic Study Modules
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 32%
- Due date
Dynamic Study Modules associated with 'The Cell': 24/03/2025 2:00 pm
Dynamic Study Modules associated with 'Genetics': 7/04/2025 2:00 pm
Dynamic Study Modules associated with 'Biological Diversity': 6/05/2025 2:00 pm
Dynamic Study Modules associated with 'Plants': 26/05/2025 2:00 pm
Task description
A Dynamic Study Module is available in Mastering Biology for all associated all topics taught in the course. These modules provide interactive learning that can be completed in your own time during the semester.
Dynamic Study Modules associated with each week’s lectures and each module will be listed in Learn.UQ along with the associated due date.
All students are provided with detailed instructions in Learn.UQ and in the first lecture regarding how to access Mastering Biology. All students are required to access the platform for the course to complete assessment.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Students must complete the Dynamic Study Modules in Mastering Biology.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assessment deadlines are firm and must be met. Late submission without permission or non-submission of assessable work will result in penalties being applied. Late submission of assessment will only be granted for documented medical reasons, accident, bereavement, jury service and other circumstances allowed in the UQ Policies and Procedures Library (PPL).
Submission of an Extension of Assessment Due Date (EADD) should be completed online through your My Requests tab via my.UQ Dashboard before the due date of the assessment item.
In-Semester Examination
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
In-semester Saturday
29/03/2025 - 12/04/2025
Task description
The exam can cover any content in this course covered in the modules 'The Cell' and 'Genetics' (Week 1 - 6) including all the lectures, practicals, and textbook chapters from Campbell Biology Australian and New Zealand Version, 12th edition.
The In-semester exam will be an on-campus exam for a scheduled session date* to be arranged - please refer to your in-semester exam timetable. Please ensure you arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes prior. Have your student ID card available for all your exams.
*You will receive a personalised exam timetable from Examinations including the exact date, time and venue closer to the examination date.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Practical Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Examination, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 28%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Task description
Practical classes are structured to provide learning activities that assist in gaining a deeper understanding of the material covered in lectures, the scientific process, laboratory safety and laboratory skills. There are five practicals during the semester.
The End of Semester Practical Exam evaluates your mastery of techniques learned during the semester's practical classes. To be eligible for this exam, you must complete a mandatory laboratory induction offered during the first two practical sessions. The practical exam assesses your understanding of laboratory safety protocols, your ability to perform various tasks (e.g., use a microscope) and analyse data. Without completing the laboratory induction, you will not be permitted to take this exam.
This is an in-person, on-campus examination. You must bring your UQ student ID card, a UQ-approved calculator and your lab coat. Electronic devices such as laptops and phones are strictly prohibited. If unexpected disruptions occur during the exam period, the assessment format or timing may be modified, and invigilators will communicate any changes.
As this is an in-person assessment, the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools is prohibited. Any attempt to use these tools may be considered student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
You must pass the practical exam to pass the course,ﾠeven if you have passing marks in other course assessment tasks. Ifﾠyou do not score a passing mark in the exam, your overall course grade will be brought down to a 3.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Final Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
Task description
The exam can cover any content in this course covered in the modules 'Biological Diversity' and 'Plants' (Week 7 - 12) including all the lectures, practicals and textbook chapters from Campbell Biology Australian and New Zealand Version, 12th edition.
This is an in-person, on-campus examination. You must bring your UQ student ID card and a UQ-approved calculator. Electronic devices such as laptops and phones are strictly prohibited.
As this is an in-person assessment, the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools is prohibited. Any attempt to use these tools may be considered student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 0 - 34% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 35 - 46% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: 47% - 49% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 50% - 64% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 65% - 74% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 75% - 84% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: 85% - 100% |
Additional course grading information
Course Grading hurdle:
To pass this course, students must achieve an overall mark of 50% or greater across all assessment items AND a passing mark in the practical exam.ﾠ
You must pass the practical exam to pass the course, even if you have passing marks in other course assessment tasks. If you do not score a passing mark in the practical exam, your overall course grade will be brought down to a 3.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Please note the following when writing your assignments
You must not re-use past work from previous assessments in your assignments.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
All reported work must be done by the individual student. Assignments that look and sound alike will be reported as plagiarism – a serious offence at UQ. Please note the university’s policy on academic integrity and plagiarism which can be accessed at Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy / Document / Policy and Procedure Library
Results
Unless specifically indicated by the lecturer involved, every attempt will be made to have the results for progressive assessment tasks available within 3 weeks of submission. For items of assessment submitted in the last 2 weeks of the semester, the results will be available before the day of your end of semester examination in the course, unless otherwise indicated by the Course Coordinator. Results and feedback availability for progressive assessment will be announced via the course Blackboard site.
Feedback in this course
Feedback is welcome in this course as any information on how students find this learning experience is constructive.
Please use the evaluation form provided to you at the end of semester - or if you are enrolled internally, a course evaluation process will occur in the last few weeks of semester.
Re-mark Applications – refer to theﾠUniversity's Re-mark Policyﾠto check your eligibility.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| AGRC1021 Course Blackboard Site through Learn.UQ http://learn.uq.edu.au/ | Access to course Blackboard site (Learn.UQ) which will provide the main means for communication. The course coordinator will post weekly announcements to keep students informed of any developments. | own item needed |
| Mastering Biology & Campbell Biology e-text | Mastering Biology is a personalised, interactive learning experience. It integrates homework, assessment, tutorial assistance, guided solutions and textbook content with unlimited practice. This compulsory tool gives you access to the e-textbook, online assessable quizzes and Dynamic Study Modules that are based on our set textbook Campbell Biology. Please DO NOT purchase the Mastering Biology platform, access to Mastering Biology will be provided free through Learn.UQ. There is no requirement to purchase the textbook. All students will have access to an eText directly from Pearson through the Mastering Biology platform. Students who wish to access a hard copy of the textbook can purchase a copy through the campus bookshop | own item needed |
| Laboratory Coat | It is a University requirement that you wear a clean laboratory coat when working in the laboratory. Lab coats can be purchased from the campus bookshop. | own item needed |
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lecture Series Three hours of lecture are scheduled in person per week. Please refer to the full lecture schedule in the course Blackboard site for further detail. |
Practical |
Practical Series There is one three hour practical session scheduled five times during the semester. During these practical sessions, students will work in small groups to gain hands-on experience with biological techniques and laboratory safety protocols. These sessions provide opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world biological problems. Students will receive regular feedback on their application of techniques and interpretation skills throughout these practical classes. Please refer to the full practical schedule in the course Blackboard site. |
Additional learning activity information
Students need to submit an assessment extension request on myRequests, for missing a practical session. The Practical sessions are timetabled activities, and if students miss a practical, they must provide documentation that shows they were unbale to attend the practical on the relevant day. Documentation for ongoing conditions, such as Student Access Plans are not acceptable evidence for missed Practical sessions. If approved, we will discuss options for missed practical classes with individual students.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.