BIOL1003 Biology 1: Evolution, Ecology and Genetics

First Year Course

Offered By

Biology Teaching and Learning Centre

Academic Career

Undergraduate

Course Subject

Biology

Offered in

First Semester, 2011 and First Semester, 2012

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 from year to year. There will be both laboratories and tutorials to allow students to gain the basic skills needed to engage with the main topics.

BIOL1004 is strongly recommended for all students studying biology in second year. BIOL1009 and STAT1003 are strongly recommended for students proceeding to further study in ecology. Students should note that CHEM1101 and CHEM1201 are prerequisites for many later-year courses offered by the Reseach School of Biology.

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, genetic 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. Indicative assessment will be based on:

Mid-semester examination on first two modules (40%)
Final exam on last two modules (40%)
Tutorial and Practical Assignments and Lab Reports (20%)

Workload

Three lectures per week and up to 30 hours of tutorial sessions and practical classes

Areas of Interest

Biology

Majors/Specialisations

Biological Anthropology, Environmental Studies, Forensic Anthropology, Human Ecology, and Human Sciences

Science Group

Academic Contact

Dr Andras Keszei (andras.keszei@anu.edu.au) and Dr Megan Waldhuber (Megan.waldhuber@anu.edu.au)

The information published on the Study at ANU 2011 website applies to the 2011 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2010 website.