162103

Introductory Biology

An introductory course in biology suitable for students with little previous experience in the subject. Topics include: the diversity of life; cells as the basic unit of life; form and function of cells, microbes, animals and plants; DNA and molecular genetics; classical genetics; evolution and ecology.

Course code

Qualifications are made up of courses. Some universities call these papers. Each course is numbered using six digits.

162103

Level

The fourth number of the course code shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).

100-level

Credits

Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.

15

Subject

Biology

Course planning information

Course notes

To pass the course students must complete assessment three and achieve at least 40% in the final exam.

Restrictions

Similar content
162103 may not be taken after 162101 has been passed

You cannot enrol in this course if you have passed (or are enrolled in) any of the course(s) above as these courses have similar content or content at a higher level.

Learning outcomes

What you will learn. Knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ll be able to show as a result of successfully finishing this course.

  • 1 Describe the components and processes at each level of hierarchy of organisation of living things.
  • 2 Describe the flow of information and energy in biological systems.
  • 3 Explain the concept of evolution and how it underpins biological diversity.
  • 4 Demonstrate scientific skills in data collection, analysis and interpretation.
  • 5 Discuss environmental and societal issues from a biological perspective.

Learning outcomes can change before the start of the semester you are studying the course in.

Assessments

Assessment Learning outcomes assessed Weighting
Written Assignment 5 5%
Test 1 2 3 25%
Written Assignment 4 30%
Exam (centrally scheduled) 1 2 3 5 40%

Assessment weightings can change up to the start of the semester the course is delivered in.

You may need to take more assessments depending on where, how, and when you choose to take this course.

Explanation of assessment types

Computer programmes
Computer animation and screening, design, programming, models and other computer work.
Creative compositions
Animations, films, models, textiles, websites, and other compositions.
Exam College or GRS-based (not centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by a college or the Graduate Research School (GRS). The exam could be online, oral, field, practical skills, written exams or another format.
Exam (centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by Assessment Services (centrally) – you’ll usually be told when and where the exam is through the student portal.
Oral or performance or presentation
Debates, demonstrations, exhibitions, interviews, oral proposals, role play, speech and other performances or presentations.
Participation
You may be assessed on your participation in activities such as online fora, laboratories, debates, tutorials, exercises, seminars, and so on.
Portfolio
Creative, learning, online, narrative, photographic, written, and other portfolios.
Practical or placement
Field trips, field work, placements, seminars, workshops, voluntary work, and other activities.
Simulation
Technology-based or experience-based simulations.
Test
Laboratory, online, multi-choice, short answer, spoken, and other tests – arranged by the school.
Written assignment
Essays, group or individual projects, proposals, reports, reviews, writing exercises, and other written assignments.

Textbooks needed

Textbooks can change. We recommend you wait until at least seven weeks before the semester starts to buy your textbooks.

Compulsory

CAMPBELL ESSENTIAL BIOLOGY GLOBAL EDITION

Author
SIMON, REECE AND DICKEY
ISBN
9781292307091
Edition
7TH EDITION
Publisher
PEARSON EDUCATION LIMITED

Campus Books stock textbooks and legislation. For more information visit Campus Books.