Outline

Overview

Complex interactions between molecules and cells form the basis for life on earth. In this unit, you will explore scales of organisation from molecules to cells and organisms. The unit begins the journey of life with the synthesis of biomolecules, follows on through the expression and regulation of genes, to the complex communication between molecules, and then to cells and how cells are integrated to form a complex organism. You will learn how single cells divide and differentiate to create simple and complex multicellular organisms which experience disease and death. Concepts of cellular energy, communication, and enzymes, all of which combine to drive life processes, will be explored. In this unit, you will gain an understanding of the fundamental role of cells in normal bodily functions and recognize that disturbances to organism homeostasis have a molecular and cellular basis. You will also investigate the impacts and interactions between microbial and human life, including the development of drugs and biotechnology. You will participate in inquiry-led laboratories and workshops that require problem solving, collaboration and teamwork. By doing this unit you will be developing the knowledge and critical thinking skills required to solve problems in the pharmaceutical, life and medical sciences.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	BIOL1X07
Assumed knowledge ?	HSC Biology. Students who have not completed HSC Biology (or equivalent) are strongly advised to take the Biology Bridging Course (offered in February)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Michael Widjaja, michael.widjaja@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam xx	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Skills test 2 Tests of SAQ/MCQ based on lab techniques, practical understanding, and results interpretation.	20%	Multiple weeks	30 min each	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Conversation	Interactive Conversation A conversation on the unit content.	5%	Ongoing	10 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task Quiz Early Feedback Task Quiz #earlyfeedbacktask	2%	Week 03	15 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Choose Your Own Assessment Medium To inform and present information to the general public, then reflect.	18%	Week 08	Varied	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Two-Stage Revision Task An exam-like task consisting of 2 rounds.	10%	Week 13	30 min	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Data analysis	Practical Results Submission of results, interpration, and/or consolidation questions.	5%	Weekly	Weekly small Canvas submissions.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

To pass this unit, you must achieve an overal assessment score of 50% or more, and also have achieved a final exam score of 35% or more.

Early Feedback Task: A quiz to help you test your knowledge around Canvas, classes, and BIOL1009.
Practical Results: Results must be submitted on Canvas during your practical classes.
Skills Test: Complete skills tests in-class relating to practical techniques, knowledge, and interpretation of results.
Group task: This assignment will require you to work in groups to inform and present information to the general public on a particular disease and associated drugs. Then you will be required to reflect on this task and what you have learnt.
Interactive Conversation: A conversation with the teaching team to assess your knowledge of the unit content and your communication skills.
Two-Stage Revision Task: This is an in-class task consisting of two rounds. This will help you prepare for the final exam.
Final exam: The exam will cover all unit material from lectures and practical classes. This assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade. There is a hurdle requirement to achieve 35% to pass this unit. The exam will have a mixture of multiple-choice questions and short-answer questions. If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The unit coordinator will determine the format of the alternative assessment.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Able to write a coherent and flowing report in good English. Using a variety of viewpoints to argue the process for identifying the problem. Excellent discussion of management strategies to manage this problem. References are used wisely and the student shows an ability to critique the literature. Sources included at least three refereed journal articles and these were presented in the correct format in the reference list and using the correct in text citation.
Distinction	75 - 84	Able to write a coherent report in good English. Presented at least two points of view to argue the process for identifying the problem. Good discussion of management strategies to manage this problem. Sources included at least three refereed journal articles and these were presented in the correct format in the reference list and using the correct in text citation.
Credit	65 - 74	Presented a report in good English. Presented at least two points of view to argue the process for identifying the problem. Reasonable discussion of management strategies to manage this problem. Sources included at least two refereed journal articles and these were presented in the correct format in the reference list and using the correct in text citation.
Pass	50 - 64	Presented and report in good English that defined the problem and came to a recommendation. Sources included two refereed journal articles, in a reference list.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard. Presented a report that did not address the problem or was poorly constructed and grammatically incorrect. Did not provide any recommendations. Did not use any refereed journal papers.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties The Assessment Procedures 2011 provide that any written work submitted after 11:59 pm on the due date will be penalised by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for every 24 hours after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Module 1 - Molecules and Information Transfer: Molecules	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 01	Practical 1: Introduction and Induction	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	Module 1 - Molecules and Information Transfer: The Genetic Code	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Practical 2: Pharmacogenomics Workshop	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Module 1 - Molecules and Information Transfer: Protein Synthesis	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Practical 3: Object Based Learning	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 04	Module 1 - Molecules and Information Transfer: Enzymes and Kinetics	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Practical 4: DIY DNA Extraction	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Module 2 - Cells and Energy: Cell Replication and Metabolism	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Practical 5: DNA Extraction Kit	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Module 2 - Cells and Energy: Cell Diversity	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	Practical 6: Diagnostic Enzyme Assay	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	Module 2 - Cells and Energy: Cell Communication	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Practical 7: A Closer Look at Cells	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	Module 3 - Cell Systems and Microbiology: Microbes	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Practical 8: Introduction to Microbiology	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	Module 3 - Cell Systems and Microbiology: The Microbial Community	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Practical 9: Aseptic Technique	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	Module 3 - Cell Systems and Microbiology: The Microbial Impact	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Practical 10: Macroscopic and Microscopic Diseases	Workshop (3 hr)
Week 11	Module 4 - Future Medicine: Cell Factories	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Practical 11: Working with Agar Plates	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Module 4 - Future Medicine: Medical Biology	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Practical 12: Microbial Growth	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	Module 4 - Future Medicine: Regenerative Medicine	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Practical 13: Medicinal Properties in Plants Workshop	Workshop (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Unless otherwise stated, students are expected to attend at least 80% of timetabled activities as defined in the unit of study outline. A student may fail this unit of study because of inadequate attendance.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There is no prescribed textbook for this unit.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Describe information transfer from DNA to proteins, cell regulation and gene expression, cell generation of energy (metabolism and photosynthesis).
LO2. Explain the biological organisation from molecules to cells and cellular communities which integrate to form a dynamic network in an organism.
LO3. Describe cell differentiation and diversity. Explain cell compartmentalisation and consequences for function in prokaryote and eukaryote cells.
LO4. Describe modern molecular techniques, including genomic and proteomics and the role of microbes in health and disease and biotechnology.
LO5. Solve problems: (i) propose and test hypotheses to explain biological phenomena (ii) identify and use appropriate technical and analytical skills to collect data (iii) analyse quantitative data to critically evaluate evidence for biological explanations.
LO6. Demonstrate appropriate and effective communication: (i) produce written, visual, and oral explanations to communicate to a scientific audience and to the general public (ii) contribute to both independent and group tasks.
LO7. Demonstrate development in personal and professional responsibility: (i) evaluate and debate arguments on biological phenomena in a respectful and ethical manner (ii) reflect on your development as a student and the responsibility you have to find and apply information and work ethically, responsibly and safely.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The 2026 unit has incorporated any considerable feedback from the previous year to improve student and staff experience.

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BIOL1009: From Molecules to Cells and Organisms

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links