Course Title: Plant and Animal Biology
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Plant and Animal Biology
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
BIOL2547 |
City Campus |
Undergraduate |
171H School of Science |
Face-to-Face |
Sem 2 2023, Sem 2 2024 |
Course Coordinator: Professor Nitin Mantri
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7152
Course Coordinator Email: nitin.mantri@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: 223.01.62B
Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment in person or online via MS Teams; email
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
None
Course Description
This course is intended as an introduction to plant and animal biology. It introduces the student to the morphology and anatomy of plants and animals (how they are constructed), and to the physiology of plants (how they work, in particular the process of acquisition of water and ions, photosynthesis, and control of growth and development) and animals (digestion, hormones, locomotion, nervous system, circulation, respiration and water balance).
The aim of the course is to provide knowledge and understanding in plant and animal science for future career and employment aspirations in biotechnology and environmental biology areas.
Students are guided through the course by structured lectures preceding relevant practical classes in the laboratory or in the field to achieve competence in technical skills.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following program(s):
BP350 - Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences & Biotechnology Major)
PLO 1 Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of scientific theories, principles, concepts and practice in one or more scientific disciplines.
PLO 2 Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence using methods, technical skills, tools and emerging technologies in a range of scientific activities.
PLO 3 Analyse and apply principles of scientific inquiry and critical evaluation to address real-world scientific challenges and inform evidence based decision making.
PLO 4 Communicate, report and reflect on scientific findings, to diverse audiences utilising a variety of formats employing integrity and culturally safe practices.
PLO 5 Work independently, with agility, safety, and accountability for own learning and professional future.
BP293SBDD - Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)/Bachelor of Biomedical Science
1.2. Explaining the role and relevance of biotechnology and biomedical science in society
3.1. Gathering, synthesising and critically evaluating information from a range of sources
3.4. Collecting, accurately recording, interpreting and drawing conclusions from scientific data.
For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.
On successful completion of the course you should be able to:
- Describe the structure of plants and animals, including their tissues, organs and cell types.
- Explain the physiological processes in plants including water and nutrient transport, photosynthesis, and regulation of growth and development.
- Conduct experimental work to understand plant and animal structure and function, analyse the data and draw appropriate conclusions.
- Communicate plant/animal biology concepts and findings in a variety of formats, including written reports, graphical and oral presentations.
- Discuss how First Nations knowledge contributes to our understanding of plant and animal biology.
Overview of Learning Activities
You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.
You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.
Overview of Learning Resources
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.
There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Task 1: Online Quizzes
Weighting 15%
This assessment supports CLOs 1 & 2
Assessment Task 2: Practical Reports
Weighting 45%
This assessment supports CLOs 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
Assessment Task 3: Problem Based Assessment
Weighting 40%
This assessment supports CLOs 1, 2, 4 & 5
If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.