BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics
First Year Course
| Offered By | School of Botany and Zoology |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Undergraduate |
| Course Subject | Biology |
| Offered in | First Semester, 2009 and First Semester, 2010 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description |
This course aims to introduce some of the major concepts in the study of life, focussing on evolutionary and ecological questions. It assumes no previous qualifications in biology and, while this course is an important prerequisite for those majoring in biology, it is also designed for students not intending further study in biology. The program consists of four modules, as follows. (a) Genetics - DNA replication; chromosomes, genes and patterns of inheritance; sex determination; population genetics; human genetics. (b) Evolution - diversity and classification of life; evidence for evolution; natural selection and adaptation; speciation; evolutionary trees. (c) Ecology - regulation and exploitation of populations; ecosystem energy and nutrient flow; species interactions; biodiversity; human impacts. (d) Behavioural ecology - evolutionary approach to studying animal behaviour; social behaviour; cooperation and altruism; sexual selection; mating systems; communication. Specific topics may differ among years. There are no laboratories; tutorials are offered instead. Note for students studying ecology and genetics in second year: BIOL1009, and STAT1003 are strongly recommended for students proceeding to further study in ecology. BIOL1004 and CHEM1101 are recommended for students who wish to study genetics. |
| Learning Outcomes |
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will: 1. Gain broad understanding of the evolutionary and ecological processes underlying life, relevant to understanding of modern biology and choice of later-year courses. This learning outcome is best achieved if students also take BIOL1004 ‘Molecular Biology', because an understanding of molecular processes complements the evolutionary and ecological perspective on life.2. Acquire knowledge and understanding of the processes of evolution, including natural selection, adaptation and speciation. 3. Acquire knowledge and understanding of the processes of genetics, including DNA structure and function, cell replication, heritability and population genetics. 4. Acquire knowledge and understanding of the processes of ecology, including biomes, species diversity, extinction, population ecology and life-history. 5. Acquire knowledge and understanding of behavioural ecology, and how it uses an evolutionary and ecological framework to study animal behaviour. |
| Indicative Assessment |
Mid-semester and end of semester examinations will test knowledge of concepts and examples in each of the four modules, and understanding of concepts through ability to apply concepts to new examples. Assessment will be based on:
|
| Workload |
Three lectures and two hours of tutorial work per week. |
| Majors/Specialisations | Biological Anthropology, Environmental Studies, Forensic Anthropology, Human Ecology, and Human Sciences |
| Science Group | A |
| Academic Contact | Dr Robert Magrath |
The information published on the Study at ANU 2009 website applies to the 2009 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2008 website.
