BIOL1002
Organisms to Ecosystems
10 Units
Available in 2014
| Callaghan Campus | Semester 2 |
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Previously offered in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006
This course introduces the taxonomic and functional diversity of organisms together with their interactions with each other and the physical world.
Students will gain an understanding of the immense scale of biological diversity, how that diversity arose and what are the essential elements required to maintain that diversity. This course is also the gateway to real understanding of how organisms work including the development and function of multicellular organisms. This understanding of the organism will then be expanded to interactions between organisms as populations, communities and ecosystems. Understanding how organisms and ecosystems function enables us to move towards living systems that are aligned with natural processes and are essential ingredients to sustainability.
Students who have completed this course are well placed to study further studies in: animal and plant development and function; microbiology; ecology, biodiversity and environmental biology courses at 2000 and 3000 level.
| Objectives | On successful completion of this course, students will be able to satisfactorily demonstrate understanding of: 1 biodiversity and its evolutionary history. 2 biological terminology in relation to tissues, organisms, ecology and ecosystems. 3 the diversity of the form, development and function of microbes and multicellular organisms. 4 concepts of micro and macro evolution and speciation and outline mechanisms underpinning taxonomic and functional diversity. 5 concepts in ecosystem function and anthropocentric environmental impact in the Australian context. and demonstrate: 6 fundamental skills in the collection and interpretation of biological information 7 critical thinking and the scientific approach. |
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| Content | Introduction to the Ecosystem - Ecosystems are made up of a diversity of organisms which interact with each other and the physical environment to perform ecosystem functions. Course aims to outline origin and scale of organism diversity and how they interact with the physical environment to form the living Earth. Origin and Scale of Diversity: - Evolving life and mechanisms of evolution - Origin of species - Kingdoms of living things - Coping with complexity - Classification and relatedness Biology of Organisms: - Diversity and function of microbes & fungi - Diversity, development & function of plants - Diversity, development & function of animals Ecology and Ecosystem Function: - The Australian Biota - Populations & Communities - Biomes and Australian Ecosystems - Ecosystem functions - Human Impacts on the Australian Environment |
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| Replacing Course(s) | BIOL1020, Intro Biol - cells to organisms, 10 units BIOL1110, Ecosystems & communities, 10 units |
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| Transition | Students who are required to repeat either BIOL1020 or BIOL1110 will instead complete this course. Course is not to be taken with BIOL1020, BIOL1110, BIOL1040 or BIOL1050. | ||||
| Industrial Experience | 0 | ||||
| Assumed Knowledge | HSC Mathematics and Chemistry are advisable. | ||||
| Modes of Delivery | Internal Mode | ||||
| Teaching Methods | Email Discussion Group
Lecture Forums Self Directed Learning |
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| Assessment Items |
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| Contact Hours | Lecture: for 4 hour(s) per Week for Full Term | ||||
| Timetables | 2014 Course Timetables for BIOL1002 |