Course overview
Topics in this course include unifying themes of life, macromolecules and the chemistry of life, cell structure and function including membranes and organelles, storage and utilisation of energy by cells, genetic information transfer and patterns of inheritance, and an introduction to mechanisms of evolution. Core concepts are explored using diverse examples. The cell biology, molecular biology and genetics focus of this course is complemented by different aspects of biology in Semester 2 BIOLOGY courses.
Students in this course come from a very broad range of programs and academic backgrounds. Learning is supported by online resources, active-learning lectures, regular quizzes, workshops to practice application of knowledge, and laboratory practicals.
Biology spans an incredibly wide range of themes. Suitable preparation for studying Level II courses in biology-based disciplines generally requires two semesters of Level 1 BIOLOGY.
Course learning outcomes
- Describe the structures and biological functions of DNA, RNA, lipids, carbohydrates and protein.
- Describe the structures of cells and their internal organelles.
- Explain the differences between eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
- Explain the metabolic pathways cells use to obtain and transform energy during the life cycle.
- Explain osmosis, the role of lipid membranes and the consequence of a cell wall.
- Explain the molecular basis of inheritance and cell division.
- Measure, analyse and interpret experimental data.