BIOL1003
10 units
1000 level
Course handbook
Description
Students are introduced to the principles of scientific investigation and initiate the development of analytical and practical skills necessary for an active career in the diverse fields of modern biology. This equips the student for further studies in both lab-based biotechnology and field based environmental biology subjects. Students will be taught practical laboratory and field skills together with experimental design, data evaluation and technical report writing within the context of a number of exciting hands on biological investigations.
Availability
Callaghan
- Semester 2 - 2022
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of biological terminology and concepts;
2. Implement the scientific method and experimental design;
3. Use basic experimental apparatus to collect, process and interpret biological information;
4. Write reports and present data in the appropriate scientific format;
5. Recognise hazards and minimise risks to conduct safe biological investigations;
6. Effectively work in a team while maintaining ethical conduct in learning and research.
Content
Through undertaking scientific experiments in; biological chemistry, microbiology, fungi, plant & animal systems and ecology, students will be exposed to the theory and practice of:
The scientific method & philosophy of science
Experimental design, hypothesis testing & problem solving
Health & safety for laboratory work
Basic laboratory skills in biology, including microscopy, aseptic technique and informatics
Use of selected analytical measurement instruments, such as spectrometry
Use of Lab books to organise and document experimental details and results
Data analysis, interpretation and presentation
Report Writing a) Effective use of Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion format b) Referencing c) Computer publishing skills
Working in teams
Ethics, Academic and personal/professional integrity.
Requisite
This course has similarities to BIOL1050, BIOL1070, and SCIE1002. If you have successfully completed any of these courses you cannot enrol in this course.
Assumed knowledge
HSC Chemistry
HSC Mathematics Advanced or HSC Mathematics Standard
Assessment items
In Term Test: Examination: Class
Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: Laboratory Exercises
Report: Reports - Laboratory reports
Compulsory Requirements
In order to pass this course, each student must complete ALL of the following compulsory requirements:
General Course Requirements:
- Laboratory: Induction Requirement - Students must attend and pass the induction requirements before attending these sessions. - In order to participate in this course, students must complete a compulsory safety induction.
Contact hours
Callaghan
Laboratory
Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Lecture
Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Tutorial
Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.