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Unit of study_
BIOL1906: Life and Evolution (Advanced)
2025 unit information
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. Life and Evolution (Advanced) has the same overall structure as BIOL1006 but material is discussed in greater detail and at a more advanced level. Students enrolled in BIOL1906 participate in an authentic urban biodiversity management research project with a focus on developing skills in critical evaluation, experimental design, data analysis and communication.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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BIOL1001 or BIOL1911 or BIOL1991 or BIOL1006 or BIOL1996 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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85 or above in HSC Biology or equivalent |
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. create explanations through written and verbal means to communicate to a range of audiences
- LO11. work independently and collaboratively
- LO12. appreciate the diversity of life on earth.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2025
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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Important enrolment information
Departmental permission requirements
If you see the ‘Departmental Permission’ tag below a session, it means you need faculty or school approval to enrol. This may be because it’s an advanced unit, clinical placement, offshore unit, internship or there are limited places available.
You will be prompted to apply for departmental permission when you select this unit in Sydney Student.
Read our information on departmental permission.
