Course overview
The aim of this course is to introduce the concept of biodiversity and provide an understanding of how organisms function in their environment. This course examines the measurement, classification and identification of biodiversity and the biological processes and principles that underlie its functioning and evolution. Specific topics include the classification of organisms, cell structure and function, photosynthesis and respiration, mitosis, meiosis, evolution, plant structure and, function, invertebrate and vertebrate structure and function, and relevance of and current threats to biodiversity. You will also practice the skills of scientific report-writing and the use of a microscope.
Course learning outcomes
- Describe the principles, measurement, classification and identification of biodiversity.
- Distinguish and describe organisms from the major taxonomic groups.
- Relate the structure and function of organisms to their survival in different environments.
- Explain the fundamental biological principles and processes that facilitate the functioning and evolution of organisms.
- Demonstrate library, internet and communication skills by researching a topic and clearly reporting the findings.