Course coordinator
Mrs Lauren Downs
Course overview
- Study period
- , 2024 (14/10/2024 - 27/06/2025)
- Study level
- UQ College
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 3.2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- UQ College
This course is designed to provide learners with knowledge of scientific concepts and facts in biology, and experience with experimentation in a biology laboratory. On completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Recall biology-specific scientific concepts, terminology and facts and apply these in simple situations
2. Apply complex reasoning processes and appropriate attitudes and values in biological science
3. Demonstrate proficiency and safety in the use of laboratory equipment
4. Use biology-specific language skills to university entrance standard.
Biology encompasses origin, development, diversity, function and evolution of living systems and the consequences of intervention on those ssytems. This course develops your knowledge, skills and experiences to engage in conceptual, laboratory and field work of a biological nature. Successful completion of the course prepares you to participate in scientific thinking and application of knowledge in undergraduate programs at UQ.
Course requirements
Assumed background
While there are no restrictions to your study in this course, prior knowledge or experience in Biology to a year 11 equivalence is recommended.
Course contact
Course staff
Course convenor
Ms Aleisha Bliesner
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Timetables will beﾠavailableﾠto students on Edval.
Please refer to theﾠQLD government website for Public holiday information
Aims and outcomes
This course is designed to provide learners with knowledge of scientific concepts and facts in Biology, and experience with experimentation in a biology laboratory.
This course includes in-depth study of the following topics:
- Safety in the Laboratory
- Measurement applicable to Biology
- Cells and multicellular organisms
- Maintaining the internal environment: homeostasis and infection disease
- Biodiversity and the interconnectedness of life
- Heredity and continuity of life
This course will enable students to participate in further studies which require Biology content.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe and explain scientific concepts, theories, models and systems and their limitations
LO2.
Apply understanding of scientific concepts, theories, models and systems within their limitations
LO3.
Analyse evidence
LO4.
Interpret evidence
LO5.
Investigate phenomena
LO6.
Evaluate processes, claims and conclusions
LO7.
Communicate understandings, findings, arguments and conclusions
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
Term 1 Quizzes
|
10% |
Quiz 1 18/11/2024 - 22/11/2024 Quiz 2 16/12/2024 - 20/12/2024 |
| Practical/ Demonstration, Quiz |
Practical Work
|
10% |
4/11/2024 - 9/12/2024
Subject to Lab Availability |
| Presentation, Poster | Research Poster | 20% |
14/02/2025 10:00 pm |
| Examination |
Term 2 Exam
|
20% |
Term 2 Exam Block |
| Presentation |
Field Work Group Presentation
|
15% |
30/05/2025 10:00 pm |
| Examination |
Term 3 Exam
|
25% |
Term 3 Exam Block |
Assessment details
Term 1 Quizzes
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
Quiz 1 18/11/2024 - 22/11/2024
Quiz 2 16/12/2024 - 20/12/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L06
Task description
Students complete an open-book online quiz during Week 5 and Week 10. Students have one attempt at each quiz.
Submission guidelines
Conducted in scheduled classes.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Practical Work
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration, Quiz
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
4/11/2024 - 9/12/2024
Subject to Lab Availability
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Experimental practical work is an integral part of any Biology course. Students will demonstrate understanding by completing an open-book online quiz after each lab session. Students have one attempt for each quiz.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Research Poster
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Presentation, Poster
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
14/02/2025 10:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
Create and present a poster to share information about a research project on a chosen topic.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Late submission
Refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Term 2 Exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Term 2 Exam Block
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | Casio FX82 series calculator only |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Field Work Group Presentation
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral, Written
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
30/05/2025 10:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
Students either attend a field trip to UQ’s Moreton Bay Research Station or complete independent field work. Students carry out a variety of field work activities and then work groups to prepare and deliver a presentation of findings (max 10 mins) for a selection of the field work activities. Presentation slides must be submitted individually via Turnitin before each presentation.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Term 3 Exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
Term 3 Exam Block
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | Casio FX82 series calculator only |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
Additional course grading information
NOTE: Experimental practical work is an integral part of any Biology course. To Pass Biology, a student MUST actively engage with ALL practical sessions as well as achieve a Pass overall.ﾠStudents will demonstrate engagement by submitting their completed Practical Workbook.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Assessment tasks evaluate 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.
Feedback on Assessmentﾠ
In addition to the mark awarded, feedback will be provided on all assessment tasks to enable students to apply the feedback to further tasks within the course or program. The form of feedback provided is appropriate to the task weighting, timing, and context, and with reference to criteria and standards.ﾠ
Appropriate conditions for group work and collaborationﾠ
Teachers usually aim for groups of 3-4 and provide preparation for group work activities (examples can include discussions, role-playing, and identifying strengths and weaknesses) to maximise students’ learning and performance.ﾠ
Assignment submissionﾠ
Unless advised otherwise,ﾠassignments are to be submitted electronically via Blackboard. Instructions for submission are in the Assessment folder in your course Blackboard site.ﾠﾠ
Calculator policyﾠ
If a calculator is permitted for use in an examination, the calculator must comply with the University of Queensland Calculator Scheme. Where calculators are permitted for use in the examination, students are advised to ensure that the calculator complies with the type nominated by the course coordinator. Unless the type is unrestricted, the calculator must be either a Casio FX82 seriesﾠcalculator, orﾠhave an 'approved label' attached which can be obtained from the Student Centre. Please refer to theﾠmy.UQﾠwebsiteﾠfor information on the use of calculators in examinations.ﾠ
Referencing styleﾠ
All relevant material MUST be correctly referenced using theﾠAPA 7th referencing style.ﾠ
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Workshop |
The Scientific Method What is biology? Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 2 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Workshop |
Enzymes and Macromolecules Molecular composition of organisms Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 3 (28 Oct - 03 Nov) |
Workshop |
Cell Structure Cell theory Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 4 (04 Nov - 10 Nov) |
Practical |
Practical Session Timings of laboratory sessions is subject to availability within the School of Biological Sciences. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 5 (11 Nov - 17 Nov) |
Workshop |
Membranes and Transport The cell membrane Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 6 (18 Nov - 24 Nov) |
Workshop |
Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis Acquiring energy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 7 (25 Nov - 01 Dec) |
Workshop |
Cell Organisation Unicellularity and multicellularity Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 8 (02 Dec - 08 Dec) |
Workshop |
Circulation and Gas Exchange Animal transport systems Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 9 (09 Dec - 15 Dec) |
Workshop |
Digestion and Excretion Exchange of nutrients and wastes in complex animals Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 10 (16 Dec - 22 Dec) |
Workshop |
Plant Biology Levels of organisation in vascular plants Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 11 (06 Jan - 12 Jan) |
Workshop |
Research Project Introduction to research poster task Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 12 (13 Jan - 19 Jan) |
Workshop |
Neural Control Pathways Homeostasis Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 13 (20 Jan - 26 Jan) |
Workshop |
Hormonal Control Pathways and Regulation Hormonal control pathways Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 14 (27 Jan - 02 Feb) |
Workshop |
Infectious Disease Non-infectious disease Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 15 (03 Feb - 09 Feb) |
Workshop |
The Immune Response Innate immunity Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 16 (10 Feb - 16 Feb) |
Workshop |
Disease Patterns Transmission and populations Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 17 (17 Feb - 23 Feb) |
Workshop |
Research Poster Presentations Showcase of research posters Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 18 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Workshop |
Classification Classification Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 19 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Workshop |
Biodiversity Biodiversity and its measurement Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 20 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Workshop |
Revision Revise Term 2 content Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Week 21 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Workshop |
Energy Transfer and Functioning Ecosystems Energy transfer Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 22 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Workshop |
Population Ecology and Succession Population dynamics Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 23 (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
Workshop |
DNA and Gene Expression DNA structure and the genetic code Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 24 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Workshop |
Cellular Replication Cellular replication Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 25 (05 May - 11 May) |
Workshop |
Mutations Mutations in genes Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 26 To Week 27 |
Workshop |
Inheritance Genotypes and phenotypes Monohybrid crosses; Pedigree charts and inheritance patterns Linked genes, multiple crosses and crossing over Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 28 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Workshop |
Evolution Evolution Natural selection and microevolution Speciation and macroevolution Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 29 (02 Jun - 08 Jun) |
Workshop |
Field Trip Presentations Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06 |
Week 30 (09 Jun - 15 Jun) |
Workshop |
Revision Revise Term 3 content Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
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.