BIO1011 - Biology I

• Unit information
• General Unit Information & Objectives
• Specific Unit Information

General Unit Information

BIO1011 is an ideal unit for students who wish to pursue a career in an area related in any way to biology, or who are just interested in biology.  This is because the unit is comprehensive, exploring biological processes from the level of molecules to investigating the large scale ecological questions, such as climate change and ecosystem functioning, that influence all life on Earth.  The noted science journalist Robin Williams has suggested that while the 20th century was the century of physics, the 21st century will be the century of biology. This may be due to the increasing importance to the world of a sustainable and healthy environment and advances in the areas of genetics, medicine and ecology.

BIO1011 includes the study of microbial, animal and plant biology, comparing and contrasting similarities and differences among these major groups of organisms.  The structure and function of plant and animal cells in terms of energy fixation, storage and usage are also examined.  BIO1011 provides a suitable introduction for students wishing to pursue a career in any of the biological, environmental, or biomedical sciences.  To complete an appropriate 1st year sequence, leading to a minor or major in any of these discipline areas, students should further their study in either (or both) BIO1022 and BIO1042.

BIO1011 provides a thorough introduction to biological processes from the level of cell biochemistry to that of whole organisms. It introduces the diversity of plants and animals and the evolutionary processes that shape them. This is a sound basis for further study in the biological disciplines including medicine and environmental science. Biology 1011 provides students with skills in library research, approaches to scientific methods, use of basic laboratory equipment, and data evaluation and presentation. The practical section of the subject introduces and stresses the experimental approach used when studying problems at various levels of biological organisation. Practicals are taught in a modern, well-equipped laboratory complex that has a variety of multimedia and computing resources.

The unit does not assume prior knowledge of biology however, students who have done VCE Biology will be challenged and stimulated by the content and presentation of the course.  However, the flexible learning structure of the subject, with considerable staff and multimedia support and extensive self-learning opportunities, means that students who have no prior learning in biology can still excel.

Objectives

On the completion of this unit students will understand biological processes from the level of biomolecules to whole organism biology; diversity and evolutionary processes as a basis for further study in biological, genetics and biomedical disciplines; develop skills in writing essays and practical reports; develop a critical approach to scientific methods; develop skills in using basic laboratory equipment; develop skills in data gathering, evaluation and presentation.

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Specific Unit Information

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