Outline

Overview

Biology is an immensely diverse science. Biologists study life at all levels, from the fundamental building blocks (genes, proteins) to whole ecosystems in which myriads of species interact. Evolution is the unifying concept that runs through the life sciences, from the origin and diversification of life to understanding behaviour, to dealing with disease. Evolution through natural selection is the framework in biology in which specific details make sense. This unit explores how new species continue to arise while others go extinct and discusses the role of mutations as the raw material on which selection acts. It explains how information is transferred between generations through DNA, RNA and proteins, transformations which affect all aspects of biological form and function. Science builds and organises knowledge of life and evolution in the form of testable hypotheses. You will participate in inquiry-led practical classes investigating single-celled organisms and the diversity of form and function in plants and animals. By doing this unit of study, you will develop the ability to examine novel biological systems and understand the complex processes that have shaped those systems.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	BIOL1001 or BIOL1911 or BIOL1991 or BIOL1906 or BIOL1996
Assumed knowledge ?	HSC Biology. Students who have not completed HSC Biology (or equivalent) are strongly advised to take the Biology Bridging Course (offered in February).
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Matthew Pye, matthew.pye@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Tanya Latty, tanya.latty@sydney.edu.au
	Madeleine Beekman, madeleine.beekman@sydney.edu.au
	Fran Van Den Berg, francesca.vandenberg@sydney.edu.au
	Benjamin Oldroyd, benjamin.oldroyd@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam	Final online exam Canvas timed exam - open book	35%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Writing task - Indigenous Knowledge Systems Written assignment - See Canvas for more details	15%	Mid-semester break Due date: 13 Apr 2020 at 23:59	See Canvas
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Lab notebook Mark is based on completeness of Lab notes, data and designated tasks.	10%	Multiple weeks	Marked during Lab in weeks 6 and 13
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Mid-course test Lectures: 1 to 12 and practicals: 1 to 6.	10%	Week 07 Due date: 09 Apr 2020 at 13:00	40 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Diversity report See Canvas	25%	Week 09 Due date: 27 Apr 2020 at 23:59	4 pages of text
Outcomes assessed:
Tutorial quiz	Pre-lab quiz 5 multiple choice questions, completed in Canvas	5%	Weekly	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Pre-lab quiz: Consisting of 5 multiple choice questions, these quizzes will test your understanding of material covered in that week's practical class. These quizzes need to be completed before your scheduled practical class.
Mid-unit test: The test will examine your knowledge on the diversity, evolution and genetics sections of the course. The test will cover material in lectures 1 to 12 inclusive and practical 1 to 6 inclusive.
Lab notebook: Your lab notebook will be marked in weeks 6 and 13. You should keep all lab records and your own notes from practical classes in this book.
Diversity report: Your mark will be based on the quality of your report and adherence to the instructions. You will receive feedback on your report.
Writing task: This assignment will require you to integrate information from western science and Indigenous Knowledge Systems. You will be assessed on writing style and content.
Exam: The exam will cover all material in the unit from both lectures and practical classes.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	At HD level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to students who demonstrate the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.
Distinction	75 - 84	At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the units’ material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.
Credit	65 - 74	At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the units’ material and can solve routine problems and/ or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory adequately referencing the original source of the work.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Introduction to biology; 2. Biodiversity	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to the Laboratories and safety	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	1. Darwinian evolution; 2. Evolution of earth and biogeography	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Diversity: scale, substructure and dimensionality	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	1. Major transitions and macroevolution; 2. Species and speciation	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Taronga Zoo experience	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	1. Indigenous Knowledge Systems writing lecture; 2. Phylogenetics and Systematics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Selection in slaters: Slater vs Predator	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	1. Molecular basis of inheritance; 2. Mendelian genetics 1 gene	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Biodiversity and conservation	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	1. Mendelian genetics 2 genes; 2. Scientific writing lecture	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Reservoir Crabs: report writing and data analysis	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	1. Mapping 2. NO LECTURE (NO PRACTICAL this week)	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	1. Genomes and proteomes; 2. Population genetics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	The chromosomal basis of inheritance	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	1. Mechanisms for evolution; 2. Evidence for evolution and comparative anatomy.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Population genetics	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	1. Sex and the single chromosome; 2. What it means to be a single cell.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Comparative anatomy of animal systems	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	1. Energy production and the evolution of endosymbionts; 2. What it means to be multicellular.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Environmental effects on transpiration in plants	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	1. How to build a plant; 2. How to build an animal.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Plant diversity and evolution Field Trip	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	1. Moving onto land; 2. Adapting to a changing world.	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Sex, rewards and pollination	Practical (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Due to the exceptional circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance requirements for this unit of study have been amended. Where online tutorials/workshops/virtual laboratories have been scheduled, students should make every effort to attend and participate at the scheduled time. Penalties will not be applied if technical issues, etc. prevent attendance at a specific online class. In that case, students should discuss the problem with the coordinator, and attend another session, if available.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

Knox, B., Ladiges, P., Evans, B. & Saint, R. (2014) Biology: An Australian Focus 5th Edition. McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd, Sydney.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. explain the process of evolution as the unifying theory in biology
LO2. describe genes as the functional units of information and explain how genes transfer biological information from one generation to the next
LO3. explain how biological information is expressed (from DNA to RNA and then to protein) and how this, in turn, affects biological form and function
LO4. describe different types of mutations, how they regulate inheritance and are selected
LO5. describe and explain Mendelian inheritance and apply this to solve genetics problems
LO6. articulate an understanding of the temporal and spatial scale of the evolutionary process
LO7. integrate ideas about the commonality of life systems and their complexity
LO8. propose and test hypotheses to explain biological phenomena
LO9. analyse quantitative data to evaluate explanations for biological patterns
LO10. formulate explanations, through written and verbal means, to communicate to a range of audiences
LO11. work independently and collaboratively
LO12. demonstrate an appreciation of the diversity of life on earth.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Pre-Lab Quiz mark was lowered to 5% and the report mark raised to 25%.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Completion of the Canvas module “Zoonosis Awareness” is compulsory.

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

BIOL1006: Life and Evolution

Semester 1, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect