CQUniversity Unit Profile
BIOL40108 Introductory Biology
Introductory Biology
All details in this unit profile for BIOL40108 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

This unit prepares students for university study in the environmental, biomedical or life sciences. Students will gain an introductory understanding of the main concepts in modern biology, particularly as they relate to humans. This unit covers a range of topics including cell theory, organ systems, genetics, taxonomy, ecology and environmental science.

Details

Career Level: Non-award
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 3 - 2023

Online

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).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Non-award 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: 40%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%
3. Online Test
Weighting: 20%

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 Teaching Team

Feedback

Need to consider impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on assessment.

Recommendation

Review assessment requirements and design in light of the impact of recent developments in Artificial Intelligence and make changes as necessary.

Feedback from Unit Evaluations

Feedback

Assessment 2 is challenging for some students who have not completed LNGE40049 Essay Writing for University prior to this unit.

Recommendation

Continue to recommend LNGE40049 Essay Writing for University as a pre-requisite for this unit and provide individual academic writing support to students.

Feedback from Unit Evaluations

Feedback

Students have found the lectures and drop-in sessions a friendly and interactive experience that support understanding.

Recommendation

Continue to encourage students to participate in online activities such as lectures and drop-in sessions.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate an introductory level understanding of the main concepts in modern biology, particularly as they relate to humans
  2. Locate relevant research on a topic to then prepare an essay following academic writing conventions for scientific essays
  3. Write short notes to demonstrate your understanding of the meaning of key terms, concepts and processes in biology
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
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 40%
2 - Written Assessment - 40%
3 - Online Test - 20%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - Self Management
2 - Communication
3 - Information Literacy
4 - Information Technology Competence
5 - Problem Solving
6 - Critical Thinking
7 - Cross-Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical Practice
9 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Introductory Biology

Edition: 5 (2023)
Authors: School of Access Education, CQUniversity
CQUniversity Publishing Unit
Rockhampton Rockhampton , QLD , Australia
Binding: Spiral

Additional Textbook Information

The prescribed study guide for Introductory Biology (BIOL40108) is available on the unit Moodle site; however, we strongly advise you to print your own copy. You will need a hard copy to complete activities and take notes. The prescribed study guide cannot be purchased from the CQUniversity Bookshop. Your Access Coordinator will provide you with advice on printing options. 

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Access to a computer is recommended
Referencing Style

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

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
David Vaughan Unit Coordinator
d.b.vaughan@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 06 Nov 2023

Module/Topic

Module 1

Introduction: Living organisms & levels of organisation

Chapter

1

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 13 Nov 2023

Module/Topic

Module 2

Biological molecules

Chapter

2

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 20 Nov 2023

Module/Topic

Module 3

The cell: The building block of life

Chapter

3

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 27 Nov 2023

Module/Topic

Module 4

Homeostasis

Your essay on human blood glucose regulation

Chapter

4

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 1 Closes Monday, Week 4 (27/11/2023) 11:45pm AEST

Vacation Week Begin Date: 04 Dec 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 11 Dec 2023

Module/Topic

Module 5

Cell membranes

Chapter

5

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 18 Dec 2023

Module/Topic

Module 6

Genetics: DNA structure & function

Chapter

6

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 25 Dec 2023

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 01 Jan 2024

Module/Topic

Module 7

The Cell Cycle - Cell division: Mitosis & meiosis

Heredity

Chapter

7

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 2 Closes Tuesday, Week 7 (02/01/2024) 11:45pm AEST

Week 8 Begin Date: 08 Jan 2024

Module/Topic

Module 8

Cell differentiation & tissues

Chapter

8

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 2 Academic essay due: Monday, Week 8 (08/01/2024) 11:45pm AEST

Week 9 Begin Date: 15 Jan 2024

Module/Topic

Module 9

Organ systems & the skeletal system

Chapter

9

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 22 Jan 2024

Module/Topic

Module 10

Taxonomy, evolution, & diversity

Chapter

10

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 3 Closes Monday, Week 10 (22/01/2024) 11:45pm AEST

Week 11 Begin Date: 29 Jan 2024

Module/Topic

Module 11

Ecology

Chapter

11

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 05 Feb 2024

Module/Topic

Module 12

Environmental science & sustainability

Chapter

12

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 4 Closes Monday, Week 12 (05/02/2024) 11:45pm AEST

Exam Week Begin Date: 12 Feb 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 3 Online Test due: Monday, Exam Week (12/02/2024) 11:45pm AEST

Term Specific Information

The Unit Coordinator for this term is:

Dr David B. Vaughan; telephone: (07) 4930 9680; email: d.b.vaughan@cqu.edu.au; Building 32, Room G29, Rockhampton North campus.
If you have Apple iBooks, I recommend you download the free eBook E. O. Wilson's Life on Earth.

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Online Quizzes

Task Description

There are four (4) online quizzes to be completed in Moodle.

These quizzes contain multiple choice, matching and short answer questions that cover the content from each weekly module/topic. Each quiz is time limited to 1 hour for completion. You should refer to the unit notes while completing the quiz, but you should not search the internet for answers.

Quizzes become unavailable after the due date unless an extension has been granted.


Number of Quizzes

4


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Quiz 1 by Week 4 (Monday, 27 November 2023, 11:45pm AEST); Quiz 2 by Week 7 (Tuesday, 2 January 2024, 11:45pm AEST); Quiz 3 by Week 10 (Monday, 22 January 2024, 11:45pm AEST); Quiz 4 by Week 12 (Monday, 5 February 2024, 11:45pm AEST).


Return Date to Students

Interim results are provided online after completion, or after the due date, and checked manually within 2 weeks.


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

Marks are given for correct answers.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate an introductory level understanding of the main concepts in modern biology, particularly as they relate to humans
  • Write short notes to demonstrate your understanding of the meaning of key terms, concepts and processes in biology

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Written Assessment - Academic Essay

Task Description

Write an academic essay of 1500-2000 words to explain the biological concept of homeostasis, using the example of human blood glucose homeostasis. For details, read the Essay Writing Handbook for BIOL40108 and see the additional resources available in Moodle.

Requirements for the essay:

  • Use a variety of quality academic resources, including peer-reviewed journals, relevant to the topic. (Note: General information websites are not considered acceptable as sources)
  • Write in your own words. That is, paraphrase/summarise the information from the sources, rather than relying excessively on quotes or copying words. (Note: Academic Integrity will be scrutinised, including an evaluation of any use of Artificial Intelligence software, which is not permitted)
  • Use Times New Roman font in size 11 or 12, with 1.5 line spacing.
  • Include a title page containing your name, student number, unit name and code, lecturer name, due date, and your word count (excluding the title page and reference list).
  • Avoid using headings, dot points, numbered lists, or images.
  • Write in complete sentences, using structured paragraphs and clear, concise, correct English.


Assessment Due Date

Week 8, Monday (8 January 2024) 11:45 pm AEST.


Return Date to Students

This assessment is returned three weeks after the due date or three weeks after the submission date, whichever is later.


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

The academic essay is assessed on your presentation of an appropriate introduction, body, conclusion (appropriate to the specific research topic), referencing, use of language, explanation of the specific research topic in detail and critical thinking. Full details of the assessment criteria and weighting are available in the marking matrix sheet (marking criteria) from the unit Moodle site.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Please submit in DOC/DOCX file format.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate an introductory level understanding of the main concepts in modern biology, particularly as they relate to humans
  • Locate relevant research on a topic to then prepare an essay following academic writing conventions for scientific essays

3 Online Test

Assessment Title
Online Test

Task Description

This online assessment covers concepts from all modules of the unit and will be made available in Week 12. Once you begin the test, you will be given a twenty-four hour (24h) window in which to complete the assessment online. Questions will be a combination of types, and may include those such as multiple-choice, diagram labelling, short answer, and matching terms. This is an open-book test during which you should refer to your unit materials, but you should not search the internet for answers.


Assessment Due Date

Exam week, Monday (12 February 2024) 11:45 pm AEST.


Return Date to Students

Interim results are provided online after the due date and checked manually within 2 weeks.


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

Marks are given for correct answers.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Once the test is started, it must be completed and submitted online within 24 hours. Ensure enough time is allowed for completion before the deadline. If your quiz is open at the time of the deadline, it will automatically be submitted at that time.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate an introductory level understanding of the main concepts in modern biology, particularly as they relate to humans
  • Write short notes to demonstrate your understanding of the meaning of key terms, concepts and processes in biology

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?