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Unit of study_

BIOL1996: Life and Evolution (SSP)

Semester 1, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Biology is an immensely diverse science. Biologists study life at all levels, from the fundamental building blocks (genes, and proteins) to whole ecosystems in which myriad species interact. Evolution is the unifying concept that runs through the life sciences, from the origin and diversification of life to understanding behaviour, to dealing with disease. Evolution through natural selection is the framework in biology in which specific details make sense. Science builds and organises knowledge of life and evolution in the form of testable hypotheses. The practical work syllabus for BIOL1996 is different from that of BIOL1906 (Advanced) and consists of a special project-based laboratory.

Unit details and rules

Unit code BIOL1996
Academic unit Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
BIOL1001 or BIOL1911 or BIOL1991 or BIOL1006 or BIOL1906 or BIOL1993 or BIOL1998
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

90 or above in HSC Biology or equivalent

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Ros Gloag, ros.gloag@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Take-home short release) Type D final exam Final take home exam
Take home exam
30% Formal exam period 1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Small continuous assessment Laboratory notebook
In practical class week 4 and 10
5% Multiple weeks Variable
Outcomes assessed: LO7 LO12 LO11 LO10 LO9 LO8
Online task Module quizzes
2 x 5% module quizzes on lecture content
10% Multiple weeks 15 minutes each
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment mtDNA report
Written report
30% Week 11 5 pages
Outcomes assessed: LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Assignment group assignment DNA forensics presentation
Group oral presentation via ZOOM
20% Week 13 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Tutorial quiz Pre-work quizzes
Completed before practical classes.
5% Weekly 5 multiple choice questions
Outcomes assessed: LO7 LO12 LO11 LO10 LO9 LO8
group assignment = group assignment ?
Type D final exam = Type D final exam ?

Assessment summary

  • Laboratory notebook: You must keep all your notes from pratical class in your lab notebook. Your lab notebook will be marked twice - in Week 5 and Week 12.
  • Pre-work quizzes: These quizzes consist of 5 multiple choice questions. The questions test your understanding of material covered in an upcoming practical class, based on your reading of the lab manual and any associated material. These quizzes need to be completed before your scheduled practical class.
  • DNA report: You will write a report based on an extended laboratory project on human migration and evolution that includes sequencing and analysing your own mitochondrial DNA.
  • Wildlife forensics presentation: In groups of 3-4, you will extract DNA from an unknown wildlife sample, analyse it to deduce the species identity, and give a presentation of your results to the class.
  • Final exam: The final exam will cover material from lectures and practicals.

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

At HD level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to students who demonstrate the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.

Distinction

75 - 84

At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the units material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.

Credit

65 - 74

At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the units material and can solve routine problems and/ or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.

Pass

50 - 64

At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory adequately referencing the original source of the work.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

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.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1. Introduction to biology; 2. Biodiversity Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Observing subcellular architecture Practical (3 hr) LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Week 02 1. Darwinian evolution; 2. Evolution of earth and biogeography Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Mitochondrial enzymology Practical (3 hr) LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Week 03 1. Major transitions and macroevolution; 2. Species and speciation Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Investigating cardiac pharmacology of Daphnia Practical (3 hr) LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Week 04 1. Phylogenetics and systematics; 2. Molecular basis of inheritance Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Exploring mammalian systems Practical (3 hr) LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Week 05 1. Academic writing lecture; 2. Mendelian genetics 1 gene Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 06 DNA extraction and PCR of mitochondrial D-loop Practical (3 hr) LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
1. Mendelian genetics 2 genes; 2. Mapping Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 07 Gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing Practical (3 hr) LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
1. Genomes and transcriptomes; 2. Biotechnology Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 08 1. Population genetics; 2. Mechanisms of evolution Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Writing workshop & Research showcase Practical (3 hr) LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Week 09 1. Evidence for evolution and comparative anatomy; 2. Sex and the single chromosome Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Analysing mtDNA sequences Practical (2 hr) LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Week 10 1. What it means to be a single cell; 2. Energy production and the evolution of endosymbionts Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Applying DNA analysis to wildlife forensics Practical (3 hr) LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Week 11 1. What it means to be multicellular; 2. How to build a plant Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Forensic DNA analysis with BLAST Practical (3 hr) LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Week 12 1. How to build an animal; 2. Moving onto land Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 1. Adapting to a changing world; 2. Revision Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Presentations on wildlife forensics Practical (3 hr) LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12

Attendance and class requirements

Due to the exceptional circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance requirements for this unit of study have been amended. Where online tutorials/workshops/virtual laboratories have been scheduled, students should make every effort to attend and participate at the scheduled time. Penalties will not be applied if technical issues, etc. prevent attendance at a specific online class. In that case, students should discuss the problem with the coordinator, and attend another session, if available.

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

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

  • Prescribed textbook: Knox, B., Ladiges, P., Evans, B. & Saint, R. (2014) Biology: An Australian Focus 5th Edition. McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd, Sydney.

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.

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

  • LO1. explain the process of evolution as the unifying theory in biology
  • LO2. describe genes as the functional units of information and explain how genes transfer biological information from one generation to the next
  • LO3. explain how biological information is expressed (from DNA to RNA and then to protein) and how this, in turn, affects biological form and function
  • LO4. describe and explain Mendelian inheritance and apply this to solve genetics problems
  • LO5. articulate an understanding of the temporal and spatial scale of the evolutionary process
  • LO6. integrate ideas about the commonality of life systems and their complexity
  • LO7. propose and test hypotheses to explain biological phenomena
  • LO8. understand the concepts and language of modern biology
  • LO9. find and analyse information for the purpose of enquiry and critical analysis
  • LO10. communicate key concepts in biology both verbally and in written text
  • LO11. take a team approach both to scientific investigation and the process of learning
  • LO12. use laboratory equipment, computing, numeracy and data handling.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

Check the UoS Canvas site for 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.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

  • No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances 
  • A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory 
  • Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories 
  • In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door 
  • First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory 
  • As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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