Biology 1A introduces students to cellular systems, both at the unicellular and multicellular level. A comparative investigation of these biological systems highlights the specialisation and variation across organisms, relating to real-life examples of disease, treatments and current research.

Normally, four lectures per week at 9am or 12pm plus one 3-hour lab per week at 9am or 1pm. 

The course will be assessed by a 60-minute examination (30%) plus in-course assessment (70%) consisting of:

■ 2x written assignments

■ 1x group project

■ 2x MCQ quizzes

■ 1x student-generated content assessment

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The group project and the student-generated content assessment are non-replicable. These total 20% of the course assessment.

The aims of the course are:

■ To provide a broad-based understanding of modern biology at the organismal level;

■ To develop general scientific skills and an awareness of current scientific research in Life Sciences;

■ To develop digital literacy skills and graduate attributes.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

■ Describe the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes;

■ Describe key biological systems including cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous and immune systems;

■ Discuss major ecological concepts;

■ Analyse and interpret scientific data and literature;

■ Demonstrate practical laboratory skills.

The minimum requirement for the award of credits is the completion of at least 75% by weight of the summative assessment for the course.