Outline

Overview

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. This unit explores how new species continue to arise while others go extinct and discusses the role of mutations as the raw material on which selection acts. It explains how information is transferred between generations through DNA, RNA and proteins, transformations which affect all aspects of biological form and function. Science builds and organises knowledge of life and evolution in the form of testable hypotheses. The practical work syllabus is different from those of BIOL1006 and BIOL1906 and consists of special project-based laboratory classes.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	BIOL1001 or BIOL1911 or BIOL1991 or BIOL1006 or BIOL1906 or BIOL1993 or BIOL1998
Assumed knowledge ?	90 or above in HSC Biology or equivalent
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Simon Ho, simon.ho@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 Final exam on lecture content	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Week 2 pre-lab quiz Short quiz	2.5%	Week 02 Due date: 06 Mar 2026 at 09:00	Up to 60 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task Short quiz #earlyfeedbacktask	2.5%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2026 at 09:00	Up to 60 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Week 4 pre-lab quiz Short quiz	2.5%	Week 04 Due date: 20 Mar 2026 at 09:00	Up to 60 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Week 5 pre-lab quiz Short quiz	2.5%	Week 05 Due date: 27 Mar 2026 at 09:00	Up to 60 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Mitochondrial DNA Report Written report	30%	Week 11 Due date: 11 May 2026 at 23:59	6 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Wildlife Forensics Presentation Group oral presentation	20%	Week 13	12 minutes	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

Pre-lab quizzes: These short quizzes consist of 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.
mtDNA report: You will write a report based on an extended laboratory project on human evolutionary genetics 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: This assessment is compulsory and failure to attend, attempt, or submit will result in the award of an AF grade. If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.”

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 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.

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	1. Introduction; 2. Classifying and counting life	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Observing subcellular architecture	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	1. Biodiversity 2. Darwinian evolution	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Cardiac pharmacology of Daphnia	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	1. Biogeography and Evolution of the Earth 2. Writing task (Indigenous land management)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Exploring mammalian systems	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	1. Species and speciation; 2. Phylogenetics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Diffusion across a membrane	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	1. Molecular basis of inheritance. 2. Mendelian genetics (1 gene)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Mitochondrial DNA extraction and amplification	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	1. Mendelian genetics II (2 genes). 2. Report writing	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	1. Mapping genes; 2. Population genetics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Electrophoresis and DNA sequencing	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	1. Genomes and proteomes	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Draft report review and research showcase	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	1. Mechanisms of evolution 2. Evidence for evolution and comparative anatomy	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Analysing mitochondrial DNA	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	1. Sex and the single chromosome; 2. Evolution of the cell and multicellularity	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Applying DNA analysis to wildlife forensics	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	1. How to build a plant (I); 2. How to build a plant (II)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Forensic DNA analysis with BLAST	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	1. How to build an animal; 2. The forgotten kingdoms	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Preparation for presentations	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	1. Moving onto land; 2. Adapting to a changing world	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Presentations on wildlife forensics	Practical (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

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

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. Explain evolution as the unifying theory in biology and articulate the temporal and spatial scale of evolutionary processes.
LO2. Describe genetic information transfer from one generation to the next, including gene function, mutation, and inheritance patterns.
LO3. Explain the central dogma (DNA to RNA to protein) and how gene expression influences biological form and function.
LO4. Apply principles of inheritance, including Mendelian genetics, to solve genetic problems and understand the regulation of inherited traits.
LO5. Demonstrate and illustrate the complexity and diversity of life and the commonality of life systems.
LO6. Propose and test hypotheses to explain biological phenomena, analysing quantitative data to evaluate patterns and explanations.
LO7. Communicate biological explanations effectively in various formats to diverse audiences.
LO8. Work independently and collaboratively to explore and appreciate biological diversity and complexity.
LO9. Integrate and demonstrate understanding of First Nations perspectives to broaden the understanding of the diversity of life on earth, fostering an inclusive approach to biological concepts and connecting traditional knowledge with contemporary biology.

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.

Check the UoS Canvas site for additional information

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

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

BIOL1996: Life and Evolution (SSP)

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