This course will introduce important ideas and issues in biology and examine how biology intersects with other disciplines, both scientific and non-scientific, such as philosophy and history.  Major concepts such as evolution and the importance of biodiversity, and the impact of new biological approaches, such as genetic modification, will be discussed and debated.  The importance of understanding how biology is carried out and how it is applied and communicated to other scientists and society, will be examined.

On completion of this course students will be able to:

1. Describe the origin of biological principles and processes and their contribution to modern technologies.

2. Discuss the basis and application of important concepts underpinning biology.

3. Explain the role of biology in our society, how it is practised and applied to global problems such as biodiversity, climate change, medicine, and the use of GM foods and crops.

4. Have developed skills necessary to acquire, assess and communicate new information relating to new discoveries in biology or that involve biological principles and processes.

Reflective log book (30%; LO 1, 2, 3)

Written work (70%;LO 1, 2, 3, 4)

Up to 65 contact hours per semester including two to three lectures per week, about six sessions of two-hour long debates and group work.

Prerequisites: BIOL1003 and BIOL1004