Unit of Study BIOL1005 Cells and Molecules (2025)

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Unit Snapshot

Unit type

UG Coursework Unit
Credit points

12
Faculty & College

Faculty of Science and Engineering
Placement

No

Enrolment information

There will be a 2-day compulsory residential for Online students that will be held on the Lismore campus. Please refer to https://www.scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables.

Unit description

Provides an introduction to the molecular evolution of life on earth, cell structure and function, physio-chemical cellular responses, elementary genetics, as well as practical techniques required to demonstrate biological processes. Initiates the development of competence in scientific report writing.

Unit content

1. Evolution of life and criteria for living organisms

2. Molecular basis of life

3. Cell structure and theory of endosymbiosis

4. Cellular processes

5. Cell replication, mutation and evolution

6. Microbial diversity and roles in ecosystems

Availabilities

Location	Domestic	International
Lismore	Term2	Term2
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour	Term2	Term2
Online	Term2	Term2

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

describe the structure of cells and biological molecules including DNA, RNA, and proteins

understand key biological processes, including photosynthesis and respiration

describe the diversity of microbial life and its important role in natural and anthropogenic systems

demonstrate competence in practical skills and scientific report writing.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method

Practical 2 hours (Weekly)

Workshop 1 hour (Weekly)

Assessment
Quiz	10%
Report	40%
Workbook	50%

Teaching method

Practical 2 hours (Weekly)

Workshop 1 hour (Weekly)

Assessment
Quiz	10%
Report	40%
Workbook	50%

Teaching method

Residential 2 days (Once)

Workshop 1 hour (Weekly)

Assessment
Quiz	10%
Report	40%
Workbook	50%

Prescribed learning resources

Prescribed Texts

Prescribed text information is not currently available.

Prescribed Resources/Equipment

Prescribed resources/equipment information is not currently available.

Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full-fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees.

Find out more for domestic fees