202-154 Introductory Biology for Land and Food

The subject does not assume prior secondary study of biology at Year 11 or 12, although this would be an advantage.

The subject introduces students to biological concepts and skills and includes:

• cell biology and metabolism: molecules of life, water, organic compounds, ions, polymers (proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides), organelles, membranes and walls; unicellular and multicellular organisms, cell division, mitosis;

• cell differentiation and specialisation; diversity and unity of cell structure, prokaryotes and eukaryotes; tissues and organs; major metabolic pathways, metabolism; enzymes;

• photosynthesis and photorespiration, respiration, glycolysis, fermentation; inheritance: protein synthesis and gene expression; brief description of DNA, RNA, the double helix, recombination and mutation;

• Mendelian genetics; plant structure and function: roots, stems, leaves, meristems, flowers and seeds; plant cells and tissues, anatomical diversity; transpiration and translocation;

• animal structure and function: tissues, organs and organ systems; comparative anatomy; homoeostasis;

• nutrient uptake, circulation, gas and fluid exchange; differences between animal and plant anatomy;

• structure of selected invertebrate groups, especially insects;

• mammalian structures;

• nutrient uptake; primary and secondary growth; reproduction and nutrition: heterotrophy and autotrophy; nutrients and nutrient cycling; productivity;

• gametogenesis, process and structures in plants and animals; fertilisation, seed development, germination, emergence; gestation, embryo development, parturition, hatching; life cycles; and

• introduction to biodiversity and evolution: populations, communities and ecosystems, adaptation, phylogeny.

Practicals will emphasise the handling and identification of biological material and the use of microscopes and other instruments.

3-hour examination (40% of final marks), two assignments equivalent to 2000 words (each worth 20% of final marks) and practical reports (20% of final marks)

Hurdle Requirement: 80% of practicals must be attended to pass this subject.

• R B Knox, P Y Ladiges and B K Evans, Biology. McGraw Hill, 1994.