Course Title: Examine concepts in biology

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2019

Course Code: BIOL5238

Course Title: Examine concepts in biology

School: 174T School of VE Engineering, Health & Science

Campus: City Campus

Program: C3399 - Certificate III in Science

Course Contact: Namrita Kaul

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4387

Course Contact Email: namrita.kaul@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Paul Burgio

paul.burgio@rmit.edu.au

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

None

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge to examine the major concepts in biology such as cell biology and ecology and their basic application.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU22068 Examine concepts in biology

Element:

1. Explain the basic building blocks for life

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Compare the characteristics of living and non-living things. 1.2 Identify the structures within different types of cells and describe their function 1.3 Explain the differences between plant and animal cells 1.4 Explain the process of cell reproduction 1.5 Explain the sources of energy and the processes cells use to obtain and use energy

Element:

2. Explain the classification of living things

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Compare the characteristics of organisms within kingdom classifications 2.2 Explain the lower levels of classification 2.3 Use keys to classify living things

Element:

3. Describe the interaction of living things

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Identify ecosystems and their features 3.2 Describe the flow of energy through ecosystems 3.3 Describe the relationships between members of ecosystems 3.4 Describe the adaptations of living things to their surroundings

Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

face-to-face teaching

lectures

classroom activities 

practical experiments


Teaching Schedule

 

 Week  Date   Topic   Assessment 
 1  11/2  

Life and cells

  
 2  18/2  

Classification Theory

  
 3  25/2  

Classification Practical

  Data collection 
 4  4/3  

Photosynthesis/Respiration Practical

  Prac participation & report
 5  11/3  

Food chains and webs

  
 6  18/3  

Adaptations and Evolution

  
 7  25/3  

Adaptations and Evolution

Poster presentations

  Poster presentation
 8  1/4  Revision  
 9  8/4  Test


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course may include worksheets, practical reports, written assignments and tests


Assessment Tasks

Assessment   Due date   Weighting   
 1. CLASSIFICATION PRACTICAL DATA COLLECTION  1/3/2019  15%  
 2.  PHOTOSYNTHESIS PRACTICAL PARTICIPATION

 5/3/2019 & 

 8/3/2019

  S/NYS  
 3.  PHOTOSYNTHESIS PRACTICAL REPORT  11/3/2019  25%  
 4.  POSTER/ PRESENTATION  31/3/2019  10%  
 5. THEORY TEST  week 8/9  50%  


Assessment Matrix

Will be made available on RMIT Canvas.

Other Information

  

• This course is graded in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also utilise graded assessment
CHD Competent with High Distinction (80 – 100%)
CDI Competent with Distinction (70 – 79%)
CC Competent with Credit (60 – 69%)
CAG Competency Achieved (50 – 59%)
NYC Not Yet Competent- graded (0 – 49%)
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment

• To pass the course you need to pass, on average, each type of assessment (exams, pracs, and assignments etc.)  You can’t make up marks from one type of assessment to another (e.g. pass the exams but fail the prac component).


• Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension (see below) will not be corrected.


• APPLICATION FOR 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 online http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension) at least 24 hours before the due date. The application form should be emailed to Program Coordinator (namrita.kaul@rmit.edu.au). Students requiring longer extensions must apply for SPECIAL CONSIDERATION.


• 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 online with supporting evidence prior to, or within, 5 days of the scheduled time of examination http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration

 

  • A minimum of 80% attendance at practical classes is required to pass this course. If you are sick you should submit a medical certificate to 6th floor office addressed to the Program Coordinator. If you miss a practical class that is a prac report write up you need to provide a medical certificate (or other evidence) and arrange an alternative report with your teacher

 Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data and oral presentation. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. It also occurs through enabling plagiarism, which is the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work. Please make sure you consider this carefully in completing all your work and assessments in this course and if you are unsure about whether you might have plagiarised, seek help from your teacher.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview