Future Course Details

Please note that the information shown below is for a future version of the course. This content is relevant from the 3rd of March, 2025.

Previous Version Version Effective: 3rd of March, 2025
Version Effective: 3rd of March, 2025
Previous Version

PDC113639 - Biology - Understanding Cells

Course Details

Course Summary

Biology is the study of life on Earth and all living organisms on the planet. This online micro-credential will introduce you to both the language and theory of modern biology covering a range of topics including living organisms and levels of organisation, biological molecules, the cell - the building block of life, homeostasis, and cell membranes.

Students who successfully complete the CQUniversity School of Access Education's Biology Essentials set of 6 micro-credentials, may receive a unit exemption from the equivalent CL03 Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) unit with CQUniversity.

To be eligible for this exemption, students must have completed:

  1. PDC113639 Biology – Understanding Cells
  2. PDC113641 Biology – Genetics and DNA
  3. PDC113643 Biology – Organ Systems
  4. PDC113648 Biology - Taxonomy
  5. PDC113651 Biology – Ecology and Sustainability
  6. PDC113652 Assessment Module - Biology Essentials

This online micro-credential provides a digital badge which can be shared to your social networks and displayed in your professional portfolio.

Our micro-credentials are aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

What is a Digital Badge?

Entry Requirements

There are no specific entry requirements.

Our micro-credentials are available for anyone to access. You do not have to be a CQUniversity student. 

Course Details

Course Type Short Course (Professional Development)
Student Availability
  • Domestic
Fees
Application Mode
  • Other
How to Apply
  1. Once you have selected your desired micro-credential, you can now add it to your shopping cart to enable you to purchase more than one "course" in a single transaction.
  2. Once you have added all the micro-credentials you wish to purchase, you will be directed to the payment gateway and will be asked to "authenticate" your account on our Learning Management System Be Different.
    • If you are an existing CPD student, please use sign in options used to access CPD micro-credential courses in Be Different.
    • If you are a new student to CPD, please select option “Don’t have an account?” Sign up now and follow the prompts to create a new account.
  3. After successful authentication, you will be redirected to the CQUniversity secure payment gateway. Please add your payment details to complete the transaction.
  4. Following a successful payment, you will automatically be redirected to the course in the Learning Management System Be Different where you will find your selection of micro-credentials on your Dashboard.  
Study Area
  • Science and Environment
  • Work and Study Preparation
Skill Area
  • Education Support
  • General Education and Training

Admission Codes

Domestic Students
Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes 		Not Applicable
International Students
CRICOS Codes 		Not Applicable

Student Outcomes, Career Opportunities and Occupations

Undertaking this micro-credential enables students to meet their Continuing Professional Development obligations and industry update requirements in their profession. Upon successful completion of the micro-credential, students will be awarded Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours, a Digital Badge and a Certificate of Completion.

Students who successfully complete the set of 6 micro-credentials* developed from the unit BIOL40108, Introductory Biology, (which forms part of the Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) CL03), may be eligible for exemption pending all other entry requirements to the Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) CL03 are being met, as automatic entry will not apply.

*Includes the following micro-credentials:

  1. PDC113639 Biology – Understanding Cells
  2. PDC113641 Biology – Genetics and DNA
  3. PDC113643 Biology – Organ Systems
  4. PDC113648 Biology - Taxonomy
  5. PDC113651 Biology – Ecology and Sustainability
  6. PDC113652 Assessment Module_Biology Essentials

Course Structures

Study Mode Definitions

  • Online: Online courses provide the flexibility to study without normally requiring a student to visit a campus. Course content is studied through a number of means including the use of online discussion forums, electronic library resources, by contacting lecturers and teachers, and receiving study materials online/electronically. Work integrated learning, including placements, may be included in some courses.
  • On-campus: Students studying in on-campus mode typically are expected to attend and participate in regular, structured on-campus teaching and learning activities throughout the University’s academic term. These activities may include lectures, tutorials, workshops and practice, online or other activities and normally will be timetabled at a CQUniversity campus or approved delivery site.
  • Mixed Mode: Students studying in mixed mode will participate in a combination of online learning activities in addition to site-specific learning activities, which may include residential schools, co-op placements and/or work-integrated learning as a compulsory requirement of a unit. The additional site-specific learning activities are what differentiates a mixed-mode unit from an online unit.

*All study modes may include Vocational placement and/or work integrated learning.

Select a course structure below to view the delivery details, including the different study modes offered for each structure.

Micro-credential

50 hours online self-paced learning.

  • Online
No units are associated with this course


Course Assessment Information

RPL - Students who have previous informal and formal learning need to advise their trainer/assessor prior to enrolment. If the student wishes to apply for an RPL they need to apply to the RPL Centre.
Credit transfer - If credit for relevant formal qualifications is sought, then the process will be actioned after the student has enrolled in at least one unit of competency as directed by the relevant trainer/assessor. The Trainer/Assessor will work with the student on their credit transfer application, and provide advice and support as necessary.
Assessment Types
Online Quiz(zes)
Course Learning Outcomes
  1. List the characteristics of living organisms and levels of organisation
  2. Recognise the main types of biological molecules, their building blocks and their roles
  3. Identify the role of cellular respiration, its reactants and products
  4. Compare and contrast eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
  5. Identify the different organelles and their roles, and how they are linked to the endosymbiont theory
  6. Define homeostasis, negative feedback and the processes involved in body temperature regulation
  7. Identify the components of cell membranes, their functions and roles
  8. Recognise the different processes involved in transporting molecules across the membrane.
Where and when can I start?
Please view the more details information for any additional information related to this course.

There are currently no intakes for this course.
More Details
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