Skip to main content
Unit outline_

BIOL1006: Life and Evolution

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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 Fran Van Den Berg, francesca.vandenberg@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Matthew Pye, matthew.pye@sydney.edu.au
Fran Van Den Berg, francesca.vandenberg@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final Exam
An exam examining concepts and skills taught in lectures and practicals
30% Formal exam period 1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11
Small continuous assessment Lab notebook
Mark is based on completeness of Lab notes, data and designated tasks.
20% Multiple weeks Weeks 6 and 13
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO12 LO11 LO10 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Online task Early Feedback Task
Online Quizzes based on lecture and prac content #earlyfeedbacktask
5% Week 03
Due date: 08 Mar 2024 at 23:59
15 mins
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO12 LO11 LO10 LO7 LO6
Assignment Writing task - Indigenous land management
Written assignment - receive feedback on your writing and use of citations.
15% Week 05
Due date: 21 Mar 2024 at 23:59
A short piece of writing
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO6 LO7 LO10 LO11 LO12
Assignment Scientific Report
Scientific report: patterns of invertebrate distribution from two sites.
25% Week 09
Due date: 26 Apr 2024 at 23:59
1000 – 1200 words in length
Outcomes assessed: LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Tutorial quiz Pre-prac quiz
Multiple choice quizzes relating to that week's Practical class.
5% Weekly 10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

  • Pre-prac quiz: These weekly quizzes will consist of 5 multiple choice questions. These questions will test your understanding of material covered in that week's practical class. You need to read the lab manual and any associated material before attempting these quizzes. 
  • Early semester quiz: A short online quiz provided early in semester to assess and provide feedback on how well you're understanding lecture and practical content. #earlyfeedbacktask
  • Lab notebook: Your lab notebook will be marked in weeks 6 (10%) and 13 (10%). You should keep all lab records and your own notes from practical classes in this book on Lab Archives.   Your Lab Notebook will be stored on ‘LabArchives’.
  • Scientific 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: You will submit a short piece of writing paraphrasing sources of information around Indigenous Land Management. 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.   If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

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.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1. Introduction to BIOL1006; 2. Classifying and Counting Life Lecture (2 hr)  
Introduction to the Lab and Safety Practical (3 hr)  
Week 02 1. Biodiversity; 2. Darwinian evolution Lecture (2 hr)  
Taronga Zoo Experience Practical (3 hr)  
Week 03 1. Writing task (Indigenous land management) assessment 2. Biogeography and Evolution of the Earth Lecture (2 hr)  
bulu: a green guide to campus Practical (3 hr)  
Week 04 1. Species and speciation; 2. Phylogenetics Lecture (2 hr)  
Macro-diversity: Finding ecological patterns in leaf litter invertebrates Practical (3 hr)  
Week 05 1. Report writing (and assessment info); 2. Molecular basis of inheritance Lecture (2 hr)  
Data analysis and report writing Practical (3 hr)  
Week 06 1. Mendelian genetics I (1 genes); 2. Mendelian genetics II (2 genes) Lecture (2 hr)  
Selection in slaters: Slater vs Predator Practical (3 hr)  
Week 07 1. Mapping genes; 2. Population genetics Lecture (2 hr)  
Microdiversity: magnifying the hidden world Practical (3 hr)  
Week 08 1. Genomes and proteomes; 2. Mechanisms of evolution Lecture (2 hr)  
Population genetics: the basis of evolution/ Optional report feedback drop-in Practical (3 hr)  
Week 09 1. Evidence for evolution and comparative anatomy. (NO PRAC) Lecture (1 hr)  
Week 10 1. Sex and the single chromosome; 2. Evolution of the cell and multicellularity Lecture (2 hr)  
Shape shifters: comparative anatomy of animal systems Practical (3 hr)  
Week 11 1. How to build a plant (I); 2. How to build a plant (II) Lecture (2 hr)  
Environmental effects on transpiration in plants Practical (3 hr)  
Week 12 1. How to build an animal; 2. The forgotten kingdom Lecture (2 hr)  
Embrace the Green: Plant diversity and evolution field trip. Practical (3 hr)  
Week 13 1. Moving onto land; 2. Adapting to a changing world. Lecture (2 hr)  
Revision Lab: Exam Preparation Practical (3 hr)  

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.

 

A suggested textbook (not compulsory) is:

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

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.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

Based on student feedback, for CC students we have returned to 100% in-person practical sessions and provided opportunities to attend live, in-person lectures rather than recorded lectures. Due to the popularity for outdoor experiences, and more inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge and ways of Knowing, we have created a new on-campus practical. We have removed the participation marks (5%) but will continue to provide formative feedback on LabArchives uploads periodically throughout semester.

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.