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

    Origins and Evolution of Life
  • Unit Code

    SCI1183
  • Year

    2021
  • Enrolment Period

    1
  • Version

    3
  • Credit Points

    15
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
  • Unit Coordinator

    Dr David Luke FIELD

Description

This unit is a general introduction to biology, from the origin of life, cell structure and biochemistry to genetics, taxonomy and evolution. Note that practical activities in this unit include the use of animals, animal products and tissues. All activities comply with Animal Welfare legislation and NHMRC Guidelines and, where appropriate, are approved by the ECU Animal Ethics Committee.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Describe key concepts that explain the evolution and diversity of life.
  2. Test key concepts using the scientific experimental approach.
  3. Generate, analyse and summarise data in a laboratory setting.
  4. Access, evaluate and communicate scientific information from a variety of sources.
  5. Work collaboratively and independently to solve biological questions.

Unit Content

  1. Practical and scientific skills including use of microscopes and interpretation of images; sterile laboratory techniques; design, collection, statistical analysis and interpretation of experimental data; and construction of biological keys.
  2. Theories on the origins of life on earth and the chemical conditions that enabled evolution.
  3. The significance of cells and cell-replication, from prokaryotic to eukaryotic life, including the structure and function of key cell components and important biological molecules.
  4. The basis of genetic inheritance including the structure and organisation of DNA and chromosomes; the patterns of genetic inheritance from passing DNA from one generation to the next (e.g. through meiosis); and the regulation of DNA expression (e.g. transcription, translation).
  5. Theories on how the diversity of life has evolved on earth including population and species concepts; natural selection; micro- and macroevolution; diversity and taxonomy.

Learning Experience

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECUs LMS

JoondalupMount LawleySouth West (Bunbury)
Semester 26 x 3 hour labNot Offered6 x 3 hour lab
Semester 212 x 2 hour lectureNot Offered13 x 2 hour lecture

For more information see the Semester Timetable

Additional Learning Experience Information

Laboratory classes are interactive and involve work in partners or groups where enquiry and research led learning are used to demonstrate key concepts introduced in the lectures. Information is provided via Blackboard and includes links to reading and relevant on-line videos and other sources of information. On-line quizzes are provided to check, review and consolidate learning.

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 School Progression Panel.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
TestOnline quizzes10%
Laboratory WorkHands on laboratory activities and laboratory report30%
PresentationIndependent research presentation20%
ExaminationEnd of semester examination40%

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCI1183|3|1

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

    Origins and Evolution of Life
  • Unit Code

    SCI1183
  • Year

    2021
  • Enrolment Period

    2
  • Version

    3
  • Credit Points

    15
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus
  • Unit Coordinator

    Dr David Luke FIELD

Description

This unit is a general introduction to biology, from the origin of life, cell structure and biochemistry to genetics, taxonomy and evolution. Note that practical activities in this unit include the use of animals, animal products and tissues. All activities comply with Animal Welfare legislation and NHMRC Guidelines and, where appropriate, are approved by the ECU Animal Ethics Committee.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Describe key concepts that explain the evolution and diversity of life.
  2. Test key concepts using the scientific experimental approach.
  3. Generate, analyse and summarise data in a laboratory setting.
  4. Access, evaluate and communicate scientific information from a variety of sources.
  5. Work collaboratively and independently to solve biological questions.

Unit Content

  1. Practical and scientific skills including use of microscopes and interpretation of images; sterile laboratory techniques; design, collection, statistical analysis and interpretation of experimental data; and construction of biological keys.
  2. Theories on the origins of life on earth and the chemical conditions that enabled evolution.
  3. The significance of cells and cell-replication, from prokaryotic to eukaryotic life, including the structure and function of key cell components and important biological molecules.
  4. The basis of genetic inheritance including the structure and organisation of DNA and chromosomes; the patterns of genetic inheritance from passing DNA from one generation to the next (e.g. through meiosis); and the regulation of DNA expression (e.g. transcription, translation).
  5. Theories on how the diversity of life has evolved on earth including population and species concepts; natural selection; micro- and macroevolution; diversity and taxonomy.

Learning Experience

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECUs LMS

JoondalupMount LawleySouth West (Bunbury)
Semester 26 x 3 hour labNot Offered6 x 3 hour lab
Semester 212 x 2 hour lectureNot Offered13 x 2 hour lecture

For more information see the Semester Timetable

Additional Learning Experience Information

Laboratory classes are interactive and involve work in partners or groups where enquiry and research led learning are used to demonstrate key concepts introduced in the lectures. Information is provided via Blackboard and includes links to reading and relevant on-line videos and other sources of information. On-line quizzes are provided to check, review and consolidate learning.

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 School Progression Panel.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
TestOnline quizzes10%
Laboratory WorkHands on laboratory activities and laboratory report30%
PresentationIndependent research presentation20%
ExaminationEnd of semester examination40%

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

SCI1183|3|2