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Life Science

Unit code: QCF252
Contact hours: 4 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs

This unit examines the themes of life, macromolecules, metabolism, cell structure, cell processes, biological diversity, plant and animal physiology. The unit emphasises practical skills both in the laboratory and in the field.

Availability
Semester Available
2013 13TP1 Yes
2013 13TP2 Yes
2013 13TP3 Yes

Sample subject outline - 13 Week Teaching Period - 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

A knowledge of life science develops a greater appreciation and understanding of the complexities of natural systems, and is relevant for students in the fields of applied science and health science.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to integrate knowledge from a number of different disciplines in order to develop a broad understanding of the living world.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. describe a range of scientific principles, concepts and theories using appropriate terms and conventions. (FGC1)

  2. apply biological concepts and theories to a range of situations both familiar and novel. (FGC3)

  3. critically evaluate information and make justified and responsible decisions and choices. (FGC4)

  4. collect, collate and analyse quantitative and qualitative data competently and safely. (FGC3, 4)

  5. organise and present biological data appropriately. (FGC1, 3)

  6. appreciate the personal relevance of the subject and the implications for every day decision making (FGC6)

    Key: Foundation Graduate Capabilities
    FGC 1: Effective communication in a variety of contexts and modes
    FGC 2: Knowledge pertinent to a range of subject areas
    FGC 3: Skills appropriate to a range of subject areas at the level of entry to the degree
    FGC 4: Critical, creative and analytical thinking and effective problem solving for academic and real world contexts
    FGC 5: The ability to work independently and collaboratively
    FGC 6: Social and ethical responsibility

    Content

    Weekly Topics

    Weeks 1-3
    Cell Biology and Biochemistry
    -molecules of ife
    -cell structure
    -cellular energetics

    Week 4-5
    Reproduction, Genetics and Evolution
    -cell cycle
    -mendelian inheritance
    -evolution and natural selection

    Week 6-9
    Anatomy and Physiology
    -homeostasis
    -skeletal, muscular, nervous, edocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, urinary

    Week 10-13
    Disease, Modern Technologies
    -immunity
    -infection

    Week 14
    Final Exam

    Approaches to Teaching and Learning

    The unit consists of four hours of class contact per week which include a combination of theory and practical laboratory work. Practical work, which includes approximately six experiments, has been designed to increase understanding of the central concepts and to provide opportunities for students to develop skills in scientific techniques.

    In order to succeed in this subject students will need to attend all classes, to complete all homework and complete and submit assessment items by the due date.

    Late Assignment Policy
    Students will be penalised for the submission of late assignments. Refer to the Foundation Course Guide for details.

    Review of Grades or Academic Ruling
    For rules on how to apply for a review of grade, refer to the Foundation Course Guide.

    Consultation
    The teacher will be available for consultation from Week 2. Times will be advised in class and will also be displayed on a schedule at Reception on Level 3.

    Exam Timetable
    The exam timetable will be displayed on the Noticeboard on Level 3 by Week 11.

    Assessment

    Types of Assessment
    In this unit students will be assessed through formative and summative assessment. Formative Assessment items are used to provide feedback to students to assist with their progress and do not count towards final marks. Summative Assessment items count towards the final grade for this subject.

    This unit may require students to submit their assessment items through SafeAssign.
    Please refer to the Week 1 document for this unit.

    Assessment name: Poster Presentation
    Description: Summative.
    Relates to objectives: 1.
    Weight: 20%
    Internal or external: Internal
    Group or individual: Individual
    Due date: Week 6

    Assessment name: Practical Report
    Description: Summative.
    Due upon completion of all practical work.
    Relates to objectives: 2, 3, 4 & 5.
    Weight: 30%
    Internal or external: Internal
    Group or individual: Individual
    Due date: see description

    Assessment name: In-class quizzes (x2)
    Description: Formative
    Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.
    Internal or external: Internal
    Group or individual: Individual
    Due date: Weeks 4 and 9

    Assessment name: Final Exam
    Description: Summative.
    Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.
    Weight: 50%
    Internal or external: Internal
    Group or individual: Individual
    Due date: Week 14

    Academic Honesty

    QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

    A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

    Resource materials

    Required Texts

      No texts required

      Recommended Texts
      Biozone: Anatomy and Physiology
      Biozone: Cell Biology & Biochemistry
      Biozone: Genes and Inheritance
      Biozone: Evolution

      Please refer to the Blackboard site for further information.

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      Risk assessment statement

      Safety in the laboratory -
      Students must, at all times, observe safety regulations and read what is required before performing the experiments. A list of Safety Rules and Procedures will be handed out and explained at the first laboratory session.

      It is a Workplace Health and Safety requirement that all students must wear lab coats and covered shoes when attending classes in the science laboratories. Long hair must be tied back during this time.

      Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

      Last modified: 14-Mar-2013