CQUniversity Unit Profile
BIOL11099 Living Systems
Living Systems
All details in this unit profile for BIOL11099 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

Successful completion of this unit will provide students with an understanding of the diversity of life at the level of cells and whole organisms, together with an appreciation of a range of fundamental themes in contemporary biology, including biodiversity, ecology, heredity and evolution. In the practical component, students will gain hands-on experience of relevant laboratory and practical procedures.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2017

Bundaberg
Distance
Rockhampton

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Residential Schools

This unit has a Compulsory Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 10%
2. Practical Assessment
Weighting: 20%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 20%
4. Examination
Weighting: 50%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Moodle course evaluation.

Feedback

Students found the time limit on the quizzes was too short and some of the questions were too hard.

Recommendation

Time limit on the quizzes will be increased and questions will be reviewed

Action

The questions were revised and a Question Bank of 20 questions were created for each quiz. The students were randomly allocated 5 questions from each Question Bank

Feedback from Moodle course evaluation and personal communication with students.

Feedback

Students found seeing living organisms in their natural environment during the field trip increased their understanding of the course material.

Recommendation

Continue to include a field trip as part of the practical work.

Action

The field trip to NKI for Bundaberg, Rockhampton and res school students, and to Ellendale Pool in Geraldton for WA students was highly beneficial with potential collaboration and partnership with NKIEEC arising for future educational placements.

Feedback from Moodle course evaluation.

Feedback

Students enjoyed the lectures and found the laboratory sessions a very valuable learning experience.

Recommendation

Lectures and laboratory sessions will be continued in the same format.

Action

lectures and laboratory sessions were followed in the same format as Term 1 2016

Feedback from Moodle course evaluation.

Feedback

Changing the practical tests from inclass tests to online quizzes to accomodate unavoidable changes in the timing of some of the field trips was confusing.

Recommendation

Practical tests will be changed to online tests in future offerings of the course.

Action

The online quizzes were easier for the students to access in their own time and more efficient to mark.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Describe the organization of living organisms at the cellular and whole organism level
  2. Explain the fundamentals of selected core themes, including cell theory, emergent properties, heredity, evolution and biodiversity and demonstrate their application across the biological and environmental sciences
  3. Describe the concepts underlying current understanding of the diversity and systematics of living organisms, using appropriate sources and terminology
  4. Carry out a range of laboratory and practical procedures relating to the diversity of life
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 10%
2 - Practical Assessment - 20%
3 - Written Assessment - 20%
4 - Examination - 50%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 10%
2 - Practical Assessment - 20%
3 - Written Assessment - 20%
4 - Examination - 50%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Campbell Biology: Australian and New Zealand Edition

Edition: 10th (2015)
Authors: Reece, JB., Meyers, N., Urry, LA., Cain, ML., Wasserman, SA., Minorsky, PV., Jackson, RB & Cooke, BN.
Pearson Australia
Melbourne Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
ISBN: 9781486007042
Binding: Hardcover

Additional Textbook Information

Copies of the previous edition will be acceptable.

The textbook is also available as Campbell Biology Australian and New Zealand Edition VitalSource eText (10e) ISBN 9781486012299.Pearson Australia.

However, current edition paper copies are still available at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Electronic copies of the textbook will be available as an alternative to the hard copy.
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Sarah Mcnicol Unit Coordinator
s.mcnicol@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 06 Mar 2017

Module/Topic

Introduction to living systems

Heirarchy of classification

Evolution by natural selection

Chapter

Study Guide Topics 1, 2, 3

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 13 Mar 2017

Module/Topic

Cell theory

Prokaryotes

Endosymbiosis

Chapter

Study Guide Topics 4, 5, 6

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 20 Mar 2017

Module/Topic

Protists and multicelluarity

Algae

Chapter

Study Guide Topic 7

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 27 Mar 2017

Module/Topic

Plants move to land

Bryophytes, pterophytes and gymnosperms

Chapter

Study Guide Topics 8, 9

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 5 Begin Date: 03 Apr 2017

Module/Topic

Angiosperms

Aquatic macrophytes and the move back to water

Chapter

Study Guide Topics 9, 10

Events and Submissions/Topic

Lady Musgrave Field trip - Bundaberg Internal students only: Wednesday 5th April. Time to be advised.


Online Theory Quizzes (1 and 2) Due: Week 5 Friday (7 Apr 2017) 11:45 pm AEST
Vacation Week Begin Date: 10 Apr 2017

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 17 Apr 2017

Module/Topic

Fungi

Before the Bilateria

Chapter

Study Guide Topics 11, 12

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 24 Apr 2017

Module/Topic

Platyhelminths

Nematodes

Annelids

Chapter

Study Guide Topics 13, 14

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 01 May 2017

Module/Topic

Arthropods

Molluscs

Chapter

Study Guide Topics 15, 16

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 08 May 2017

Module/Topic

Echinoderms

Chapter

Study Guide Topics 17

Events and Submissions/Topic

Compulsory residential school and field trip for Geraldton (distance) students: 11th - 14th May, Geraldton.

Compulsory residential school (including North Keppel Island field trip on 15th or 16th May) for all other distance/mixed mode students: 14th - 17th May, Rockhampton


Explanatory report on a recently discovered invertebrate Due: Week 9 Friday (12 May 2017) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 15 May 2017

Module/Topic

No lectures - own revision

Chapter

Revision of topics

Events and Submissions/Topic

Continued compulsory residential school (including North Keppel Island field trip on 15th or 16th May) for all other distance/mixed mode students: 14th - 17th May, Rockhampton.

North Keppel Island Field trip - Rockhampton internal students: 15th or 16th May.

Week 11 Begin Date: 22 May 2017

Module/Topic

Chordates and vertebrates

Mammals to humans

Chapter

Study Guide Topics 18, 19

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Practical test A (Field trip test) Due Friday 26th May 11.45 PM AEST

Week 12 Begin Date: 29 May 2017

Module/Topic

Biomes and biodiversity

Origin of living systems and life beyond our planet

Review

Chapter

Study Guide Topics 20, 21

Events and Submissions/Topic

Online Practical tests B and C (laboratory practicals) Due Friday 2nd June 11.45 PM AEST

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 05 Jun 2017

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 12 Jun 2017

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

Teaching team members:

Sarah McNicol E: s.mcnicol@cqu.edu.au

Nathan Brooks-English E: n.english@cqu.edu.au

Glenn Varley E: glenn.varley@crtafe.wa.edu.au

Leigh Stitz E: l.stitz@cqu.edu.au

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Online Theory Quizzes (1 and 2)

Task Description

There will be two multiple choice online quizzes based on the lecture material from the first four weeks of term. Theory Quiz 1 will open in Week 2 and Theory Quiz 2 will open in Week 4. Both quizzes will close at the end of Week 5 on Friday 7th April at 23.45 AEST. Quiz 1 and Quiz 2 will each be worth 5% of the total course mark.


Number of Quizzes

2


Frequency of Quizzes


Assessment Due Date

Week 5 Friday (7 Apr 2017) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 6 Friday (21 Apr 2017)


Weighting
10%

Minimum mark or grade
30%

Assessment Criteria

These quizzes will be assessed on the correctness of the answers.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe the organization of living organisms at the cellular and whole organism level
  • Explain the fundamentals of selected core themes, including cell theory, emergent properties, heredity, evolution and biodiversity and demonstrate their application across the biological and environmental sciences
  • Describe the concepts underlying current understanding of the diversity and systematics of living organisms, using appropriate sources and terminology


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence

2 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title
Online Practical Tests

Task Description

Three tests based on the material covered in the field trip (Practical Test A) and the practical laboratory sessions (Practical Tests B and C) will be conducted online and close after the last field trip and the last practical session, respectively. However you may submit anytime after the relevant quiz opens (date to be advised) and you have completed the relevant sessions. In total this assessment is worth 20%. The test based on the field trip (Practical Test A) will be a short answer question and is worth 6% of the total marks for the unit and the tests based on the practical laboratory sessions (Practical Tests B and C) are multiple choice questions and are worth 7% each (total 14% of unit marks).


Assessment Due Date

Practical Test A (Field trip test) Due week 11 on Friday 26th May at 23.45 AEST; Practical Tests B and C (Laboratory Practicals) Due week 12 Friday 2nd June at 23.45 AEST


Return Date to Students

Monday (5 June 2017)


Weighting
20%

Minimum mark or grade
40%

Assessment Criteria

Answers will be assessed on correctness, comprehensiveness and relevance.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe the organization of living organisms at the cellular and whole organism level
  • Explain the fundamentals of selected core themes, including cell theory, emergent properties, heredity, evolution and biodiversity and demonstrate their application across the biological and environmental sciences
  • Carry out a range of laboratory and practical procedures relating to the diversity of life


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Explanatory report on a recently discovered invertebrate

Task Description

This assessment requires you to research and describe an invertebrate that has recently been discovered anywhere in the world. More details will be provided on the Moodle site.

In your explanatory paper you are required to:

  • Name the scientific classification of the organism (kingdom, phylum etc).
  • Describe the biological characteristics of the organism in relation to its classification into the particular taxonomic group.
  • Rationalise the classification based on relevant literature.
Suggested length: 1000 words max (excluding title page, references, figure and table labels)

Use Harvard (author, date) referencing format.


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Friday (12 May 2017) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Friday (26 May 2017)


Weighting
20%

Minimum mark or grade
40%

Assessment Criteria

The complete assessment rubric will be available on the Moodle site and the criteria will include:

  • Accuracy of the information about the newly discovered species and its classification
  • Relevance of the cited material
  • Accuracy of referencing
  • Correct English grammar and clarity of expression.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Upload your assignment as a word document

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe the organization of living organisms at the cellular and whole organism level
  • Explain the fundamentals of selected core themes, including cell theory, emergent properties, heredity, evolution and biodiversity and demonstrate their application across the biological and environmental sciences
  • Describe the concepts underlying current understanding of the diversity and systematics of living organisms, using appropriate sources and terminology


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence

Examination

Outline
Complete an invigilated examination

Date
During the examination period at a CQUniversity examination centre

Weighting
50%

Length
120 minutes

Minimum mark or grade
40%

Exam Conditions
Closed Book

Materials
No calculators permitted
Dictionary - non-electronic, concise, direct translation only (dictionary must not contain any notes or comments).
Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?