Course Title: Concepts in biology
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2014
Course Code: BIOL5217
Course Title: Concepts in biology
School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences
Campus: City Campus
Program: C3305 - Certificate III in Science
Course Contact: Namrita Kaul
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4309
Course Contact Email: namrita.kaul@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Nevil Schultz
9925 4421
Nominal Hours: 50
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
There are no pre-requisites for studying in this course
Course Description
This course covers the skills and knowledge required to investigate the major concepts in biology and their basic application.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU20929 Concepts in biology |
Element: |
1 Explain the Basic Building blocks for Life |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 The characteristics of living and non-living things are compared |
Element: |
2 Explain the Classification of Living Things |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 The characteristics of organisms within kingdom classifications are compared |
Element: |
3 Describe the Interaction of Living Things |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Features of ecosystems are described |
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course students will be able to:
• explain the structure and function of cells
• explain sources and use of energy
• explain the classification of living things
• explain functions of ecosystems
Details of Learning Activities
Learning activities will comprise;
- Group work
- Completion of worksheets
- Practical Work
- Internet Research Assignment
- Demonstrations
Teaching Schedule
| Week No. | Date (week starts) | Topic | Theory/Class Activity |
Practical Wednesdays |
Assessment & Due Date |
| 1 | 7 July | Cell Theory, Characters of Living Things Cell Types of 6 Kingdoms |
Cell Structure & Types |
Lab Safety VHS/DVD on Cell Structure Worksheet 1 |
|
| 2 | 14 July | Prokaryotes & Eukaryotes Plant & Animal Cells |
Worksheet 2 | |
Worksheet 1 due Wed 16 July |
| 3 | 21 July | Cell Reproduction Mitosis & meiosis |
Internet Research Assignment launch |
Division for Growth Practical |
Worksheet 2 due Mon 21 July |
| 4 | 28 July | Photosynthesis & Respiration and other energy transformations |
Hand in Prac Report for Division for Growth Wed 30 July |
||
| 5 | 4 Aug | Lower Levels of classification of Living Things | Biological Classification Practical | |
|
| 6 | 11 Aug | Ecosystems & Relationships in Ecosysytems Food Chains & Food Webs |
Biological Classification Prac due Wed 11 Aug |
||
| 7 | 18 Aug | Adaptations of Living Things |
Internet research assignment due Wed 20 Aug |
||
| 8 | 25 Aug |
25 Aug Revision |
Wed 27 Aug Exam |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
There are no prescribed texts considering the length of the course, but it is of great benefit to have available for home study throughout the course (New, Library-Sourced or Second-hand): a copy of: Kinnear, J. et al., (2006) Nature of Biology - Book One, Jacaranda. 2nd, 3rd or 4th Edition Evans, B. et al (2006) Biology One, Heinemann, 3rd or 4th edition |
References
A biology dictionary from a reputable publisher, often available in paperback form |
|
CD Rom material available at the Carlton Library |
Other Resources
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course may include Worksheets, Practical reports, Assignments and Tests
Assessment Tasks
Assessment tasks
Worksheet 1 Due Wed 16 July 5%
Division for Growth Prac report Due Mon 30 July 10%
Worksheet 2 Due Wed 21 July 5%
Biological Classification prac Due Wed 11 Aug 10%
Internet Research Assignment . Wed 20 Aug 20%
Exam: Wed 27 Aug 50%
Assessment Matrix
| Outcome/Element | Worksheet s | Practicals | Exam | Internet Research Task |
| 1 | X | X | X | |
| 2 | X | X | X | X |
| 3 | X | X |
Other Information
Allocation of Nominal 50 Hours:
1 32 Hours Face to Face Classroom Instruction
2 6 Hours Library Research
3 8 Hours Internet Assignment work out of Class
4 4 hours of Practical Write-up time out of class
Additional Assessment Information
• Extension of time for submission of assessable work- A student may apply for an extension of up to 7 days from the original due date. They must lodge the application form (available on the web http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf ) at least the day before the due date. The application is lodged with the School Admin Office on Level 6, Bdg 51. Students requiring longer extensions must apply for Special Consideration (form available on the Web). For missed assessments such as exams- you (& your doctor if you are sick) must fill out a special consideration form. This form must be lodged at the HUB or online with supporting evidence (eg medical certificate), prior to, or within, 48 hours of the scheduled time of examination.
• Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension will not be corrected
• If you miss an assessment task due to unavoidable circumstances, you need to follow the procedure of special consideration and apply within the allowed time frame
Course Overview: Access Course Overview