This assessment is made up of 4 quizzes designed to evaluate your understanding of the content from weekly modules in the Study Guide and the Learning Journal. Each quiz is worth 5% and is time limited to 30 minutes. These quizzes contain a range of question types such as multiple-choice, short answer and drag and drop questions. 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.

You are required to identify the fundamental principles of cell biology and their relevance to broader concepts related to human biology. You will be assessed on your ability to:

• accurately identify biological concepts and terms, and
• accurately apply biological knowledge to relevant contexts.

Portfolio A is designed to support your learning of the material in each of the modules, to cultivate your scientific inquiry skills, and to provide you with an opportunity to apply your developing biological knowledge and skills to real-world contexts. There are two parts to Portfolio A: Module Tasks 1-4, and a draft infographic. 

Module Tasks 1-4

Module Tasks 1-4 are comprised of series of weekly tasks that require you to answer set questions, summarise what you have learned, describe how the new knowledge connects to previous content and real world applications, draw visuals including diagrams, sketches or images that help illustrate biological concepts, and reflect on your learning. Details of Module Tasks 1-4 are provided on Moodle.  

Draft Infographic

This part of the portfolio requires you to construct an infographic that uses accurate and relevant information to demonstrate your understanding of the link between cells (structures, processes and/or differentiation) and a broader biological context. Your infographic will be guided by prompts on Moodle, your Study Guide, Learning Journal and additional research material from high quality resources such as textbooks or peer-reviewed journals related to the content from Modules 1-4. You are required to identify key points, facts and data essential to the topic and include these in your infographic. This task is designed to deepen your understanding of how biological ideas are connected and develop your scientific communication skills. (Note that this is the first version of your infographic. The final version will be submitted as part of Portfolio B.) 

Infographic design & content: 

• Include a title that clearly states the topic of the infographic.
• Decide on the layout of sections and how the information will be best presented to clearly communicate your research.
• Use a combination of text, images, icons and/or charts to present the information clearly. 
• Provide concise explanations and definitions of key terms.
• Use bullet points, short paragraphs and labels to make the information easy to comprehend.
• Include references on the infographic to acknowledge the sources of information.
• Use graphic design tools in software such as Canva, PowerPoint or Word to create your infographic. 

You will be assessed on:

• the quality of learning evidenced in the learning journal
• progressive building of ideas for the infographic, demonstrating ongoing learning and the ownership of work
• evidence of research skills, using high quality resources
• reflective skills for analysis, evaluation, and planning to effectively communicate scientific ideas.

Portfolio B is designed to further support your learning of the material in each of the modules, to cultivate your scientific inquiry skills, and to provide you with an opportunity to apply your developing biological knowledge and skills to real-world contexts. There are three parts to Portfolio A: Module Tasks 5-9, infographic (final) and a recorded presentation (3-5 minutes). The elements of Portfolio B are detailed below, and further guidance is provided on Moodle.

Module Tasks 5-9

Module Tasks 5-9 are comprised of series of weekly tasks that require you to answer set questions, summarise what you have learned, describe how the new knowledge connects to previous content and real world applications, draw visuals including diagrams, sketches or images that help illustrate biological concepts, and reflect on your learning. Details of Module Tasks 5-9 are provided on Moodle.  

Infographic

You are required to incorporate feedback from the draft infographic you submitted in Portfolio A to continue to refine your inforgraphic. Your infographic should include accurate and relevant information about the link between your knowledge of cells (structures, processes and/or differentiation) and a broader biological context. 

Recorded presentation (3-5 minutes).

Record yourself presenting an analysis of your infographic's content, discussing key ideas, how they are connected, and the meaning and relevance of any visual elements to the overall topic. You should also highlight any changes you have made to the infographic in response to your marker's feedback since your submission of Portfolio A. The infographic must be used as a visual aid in some way during the presentation. The presentation should be approximately 3-5 minutes in length. 

You will be assessed on:

• the quality of learning evidenced in the learning journal
• progressive building of ideas for the infographic, demonstrating ongoing learning and the ownership of work
• evidence of research skills, using high quality resources
• the ability to respond to feedback to refine and improve scientific work
• oral presentation skills, including the use of analytical skills to support the effective communication of scientific ideas.