Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On the completion of this subject students will understand biological processes from the level of cell biochemistry to whole organism biology; understand diversity and evolutionary processes as a basis for further study in biological and biomedical disciplines; develop skills in library research; develop a critical approach to scientific methods; develop skills in using basic laboratory equipment; develop skills in data evaluation and presentation.
Synopsis This subject begins an introduction to biology that is continued in BIO1022 or BIO1042 and does not assume any prior knowledge of biology. However, a knowledge of chemistry would be an advantage. BIO1011 is a partial study of animal, plant and microbial biology, comparing and contrasting similarities and differences between organisms. The structure and function of plant and animal cells in terms of energy fixation, storage and usage are also taken up in part. The subject matter of BIO1011 is continued, expanded and brought together in a relevant manner in BIO1022 and BIO1042. On its own BIO1011 is an incomplete introduction to general biology. The practical section of the subject introduces and stresses the experimental approach used when studying problems at various levels of biological organisation..
Assessment Examinations (2 hours): 40% + Practical work: 30% + Essay: 10% + Miniquizzes: 20%