Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Form and Function in Biology

• Unit Code

  SCI1187

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

This unit is an introduction to plant and animal structure and function. It focuses on the morphology and anatomy of living organisms, as well as their physiological processes, life cycles and behaviour.

Non Standard Timetable Requirements

This unit is offered on campus and off campus

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Describe and interpretembryonic development in animals and plants.
2. Describe the life cycles and reproductive systems of plants and animals.
3. Describe the regulatory mechanisms of plants and animals.
4. Explain interactions of organisms with their environment.
5. Explain the relationships between biological structures and their functions.

Unit Content

1. 1.The nature and diversity of living organisms: characteristics of life as a set of processes common to all forms.
2. 2. Principles of structure-function relationships at cell, tissue, organ and organismal levels.
3. 3. Diversity in organismal structure and function: energy acquisition, metabolism, growth, life cycles and reproduction in prokaryotes, protists and fungi.
4. 4. Structure and function in flowering plants: morphology and functional anatomy of stems, leaves and roots; photosynthesis; water and solute movement; reproduction.
5. 5. Structure and function in animals: Circulation and gas exchange; homeostasis; perception and communication; movement; digestion and excretion; reproduction.
6. 6. Laboratory skills: Lab safety; microscope structure and use; dissection; interpreting and following laboratory methods; keeping lab records, including biological drawings; structure and presentation of laboratory reports; principles of data collection, analysis and presentation; elementary statistical inference (Student's t-test).

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, online activities, directed reading, individual and group-based lab work, skills workshops.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Due to the professional competency skill development associated with this Unit, student attendance/participation within listed in-class activities and/or online activities including discussion boards is compulsory. Students failing to meet participation standards as outlined in the unit plan may be awarded an I Grade (Fail - incomplete). Students who are unable to meet this requirement for medical or other reasons must seek the approval of the unit coordinator.

^ Mandatory to Pass

Text References

• ^ Campbell, N.A., Reece, J.B., and Meyers, N, et al. (2015). Campbell Biology 10th ed. Australian version San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings Note: Students may use EITHER Campbell Biology OR Principles of Biology as their main text.
• Ladiges, P.A, Evans, B., Saint, R., & Knox, B. (2010). Biology: an Australian focus (4th ed.). North Ryde, NSW: McGraw-Hill Australia
• ^ Nature Education (2014). Principles of Biology (living edition). Cambridge, MA: NPG Education Note: This textbook must be downloaded directly from the publishers website. It is not available as a hard copy book, but sections may be printed. Students may choose EITHER Campbell Biology OR Principles of Biology as their main text.

Other References

• ^ Dissecting kit and laboratory coat. Note: Students are required to purchase a dissecting kit and laboratory coat for practical work.

^ Mandatory reference

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