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) Evolution - diversity and classification of life; evidence for evolution; natural selection and adaptation; speciation; evolutionary trees.

(b) Molecular Genetics – organisation and replication of genetic material; the mechanism and control of transcription and translation.

(c) Genetics of Inheritance - Chromosomes and cell division; patterns of inheritance and sex determination; population genetics; human genetics.

(d) Ecology - regulation and exploitation of populations; ecosystem energy and nutrient flow; species interactions; biodiversity; human impacts.

(e) 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 laboratory and field practicals as well as 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 Research School of Biology.

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.

Mid-semester and end of semester examinations will test knowledge of concepts and examples in each of the five modules, and understanding of concepts through ability to apply concepts to new examples.

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

Three lectures per week and up to 20 hours of tutorial sessions and practical classes

Campbell, Reece and Meyers Biology 9th Edition Australian Version. PLEASE NOTE: the text available at the ANU Co-Op Bookshop contains an access code for Mastering Biology software that will give you access to supplementary support.