Unit Outline BIOL 108 Human Biology: 3 Credit Points, D1, X1 and Xc1, Semester 1 2011

1
Unit Outline
BIOL 108 Human Biology

3 credit points,
D1, X1 and Xc1, Semester 1 2011

Professor Michael Gillings, Department of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Science, Macquarie University

2

INDEX

SUBJECT PAGE

Important Dates 3
Lecturer Contact Details 4
Unit Description 4
Unit Objectives and Learning Outcomes 5
Unit Website 6
Unit Structure and Timetable 7
Lecture Schedule 7-10
Assessment 11
Test 1 11
Test 2 11
Essay 1 12
Essay 2 13
Submitting Assignments 13
Checklist for Written Assignments 14
Return of Assigments 14
Special Consideration 14
Plagiarism 14
Sample assessment sheet for essays 15
Regulations for requesting Special Consideration 16
Departmental Policy on Plagiarism 17
Final Examination 17
Lecture notes and Textbook 18
Policies 18
Student feedback and evaluation 18
BIOL 108
Human Biology
3

IMPORTANT DATES:

BIOL 108 HUMAN BIOLOGY 2011

Monday 21
st
February Classes resume
Stream 1; First Lecture, 2pm, Mason Theatre
Stream 2; First lecture, 5pm Mason Theatre

Friday 4
th
March Writing Task Due

Wednesday 23
rd
March Mid term test 1 (Internals)
Stream 1; 12 midday, X5B T1
Stream 2; 5 pm, X5B T1

Saturday 26
th
March On-Campus session: Mid term test 1 (Externals)
9 am, Lecture theatre E7B T3

Friday 1
st
April (no joke!) Written Assignment #1 Due

Friday 13
th
May Written Assignment #2 Due

Wednesday 25
th
May Mid term test 2 (Internals)

Sunday 29
th
May On-Campus session: Mid term test 2 (Externals)
9 am, Lecture theatre E7B T3

Wednesday 1
st
June Final Lecture

Monday 6
th
June Examination period begins

REMEMBER TO MARK THESE DATES IN YOUR DIARY:

Mid Term tests will NOT be held at any other times
BIOL 108
Human Biology
4
Unit Staff

Convener: Professor Michael Gillings (Michael)
Room Number: E8A271
Telephone: 02 9850 8199
Email: michael.gillings@mq.edu.au

Senior Tutor: Ms Shannon Smith (Shannon)
Room Number: E8A264
Telephone: 02 9850 8331
Email: Shannon.Smith@mq.edu.au

Routine enquiries, such as due dates, medical extensions, administrative problems etc
should in the first instance be directed to Shannon, who will be the main point of contact
for the Unit. She will also be moderating the Discussion Board and the email forum.
Shannon will respond to all routine queries between 3-5pm Mondays and Thursdays.

If phones are unanswered, messages may be left on voicemail. Please remember to leave
your name and telephone number, landline preferred. Messages may also be sent by
email. We will reply to all messages as quickly as possible, but please ensure you have
read these notes for the answer first!

I strongly encourage students with problems or questions to approach me after lectures, or
to visit my office. I will be available for general consultation in my office at 3 pm on
Mondays and Tuesdays.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for Human Biology. The Unit is taught so that students with no
previous experience in Biology will be able to understand the material.

Unit Description

This unit is designed for students who are interested in learning about humans and how
humans interact with the rest of the living world. The subjects covered include human
genetics, physiology, reproduction, and evolution. BIOL108 is designed for students who
are not studying Biology, but biology students are also recommended to take this unit. The
unit content is dealt with in such a way that students without prior studies in biology will
not be at a disadvantage. Successful completion of this unit allows progression to several
200-level Biology units. Lecture recordings and lecture graphics are available from the
Web (using iLecture), and on CD, for students who find it difficult to attend live lectures.

The aim of BIOL108 is to give you the ability to think critically about biological
problems. Many of the major issues of our times are, at their heart, biological in nature. To
understand the principles and issues behind topics such as genetic engineering, global
climate change, bioterrorism, cloning, assisted reproductive technologies or the emergence
of new human diseases requires a basic familiarity with modern biological knowledge. We
aim to equip you with this knowledge and at the same time give you an appreciation for
the mystery and diversity of life on this planet.
5
Unit Changes

Biology is a very dynamic subject and new discoveries are being made all the time. The
lecture content of BIOL108 is updated every year to reflect these advances. Student
feedback on the unit is sought through questionnaires and personal discussion. The Unit
style and content is modified, where appropriate, to reflect these suggestions.

Unit Objectives

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:
Describe the structure of biological molecules and explain how their structure
confers specific properties
Identify the key components of cells and explain their role in cellular biochemistry
Explain how cell membranes regulate import and export of substances from cells.
Recognize the different forms of body tissues and the cells that comprise them.
Outline cell metabolism and the relationship between photosynthesis and aerobic
cellular respiration.
Explain the structure and function of the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory,
musculo-skeletal, endocrine, nervous and immune systems.
Describe the process of cell division in somatic and reproductive cells.
Outline the stages in human reproduction, from generation and fertilization of
germ cells through to development in the uterus and childbirth.
Explain the molecular basis of inheritance, from DNA structure through to protein
interactions and phenotypic expression.
Explain the basis of genetic diseases and cancer.
Outline the interactions between microorganisms and humans in disease,
commensalism and biotechnological applications.
Describe the effects that human activities are having on the biosphere and earth
system processes.
Explain evolution by natural selection, giving examples drawn from the origins of
life through to the evolution of human beings.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit, you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding and working knowledge of key biological terms
2. Explain physiological processes in the human body starting at the genetic level and
working through the biochemistry, cell and tissue functions to a physical outcome.
3. Outline the complex interactions between organ systems that result in homeostasis
4. Apply biological concepts to a range of contemporary issues
5. Find scientific articles and critically evaluate the design and conclusions of
biological experiments
6. Summarize key findings related to complex biological topics
7. Make judgments about the validity of statements made about biological processes
by journalists, politicians and other commentators

6
Graduate capabilities

This unit will develop graduate capabilities in the following areas:
1. Discipline specific knowledge and skills
2. Literacy and numeracy
3. Written and interpersonal communication
4. Critical analysis and independent thinking
5. Problem solving and research capability
6. Creative thinking and sound judgment
7. Social and environmental responsibility

Unit completion requirements

Students must receive a mark >50% to pass this subject. Submission of all assignments
and participation in all tests is highly recommended, since it will be difficult to pass the
unit without obtaining marks from these activities.

Website

All lectures in this unit will be recorded and available through the Blackboard web site.
The URL for Blackboard is: https://learn.mq.edu.au/

Username is your Student ID number (8 digits on your student card).
The Password is your Macquarie student password (sent to you when you enrolled).
If you are having trouble logging on, you should contact Student IT Help on 02 9850 4357
or 1800 063 191 (from outside Sydney).

On Blackboard you will find links to iLecture, Unit details, an Announcements Page and a
Bulletin Board. We expect you to use Blackboard for:

Regularly checking for subject announcements
Downloading lecture notes (available as pdf files)
Downloading lecture recordings
Posting messages and questions on the Bulletin Board
Checking your grades

Bulletin Board can be used for you to chat to each other about topics related to this unit.
We have set up general categories for these discussions. You can either post a message;
reply to someone elses post or just read the threads.

What to do if you have a question?
1. Read this unit outline!! (most of the answers to your questions can be found here)
2. Look on Blackboard
3. Check Bulletin Board (ask your peers via a discussion posting)
4. Still dont know? If you have an administrative problem, email Shannon Smith. If
it is a question about the course material or lecture topics, contact Michael
Gillings.

7
Unit Structure and Timetable

BIOL 108 is offered in both an internal mode and an external mode. Internal students
attend three 1 hour lectures per week. Since some topics in this unit are not dealt with in
the textbook, it is important to attend all lectures. Students who do not attend all
lectures find it difficult to pass the Unit.

The external mode is offered to anyone who has difficulty attending live lectures because
of timetable clashes, work commitments, or living some distance from the campus. For
those students, lectures are recorded and distributed through the Centre for Open
Education.

There are no practical sessions in this course. For those students who want some
experience with experimental biology and laboratory work, the other first year Biology
courses (BIOL114, Evolution and Biodiversity & BIOL115, The Thread of Life) are
recommended.

BIOL108 has a large enrolment, so large that it is impossible to fit all students into a
single lecture theater. Because of this, we run two lecture streams. Students should enroll
in either stream 1, or stream 2, not a mixture of both. The Lectures are held at the
following times:

BIOL108 / F / 1 / D

Stream 1
Lecture_1 Mon 1400 E7B MASON
Lecture_2 Tue 1300 E7B MASON
Lecture_3 Wed 1200 X5B T1

Stream 2
Lecture_1 Mon 1700 E7B MASON
Lecture_2 Wed 1300 E7B MASON
Lecture_3 Wed 1700 X5B T1

Lecture Schedule

Week 1: ATOMS TO CELLS

Lecture 1: Introduction and Outline; Scientific Process; The size of things; Characteristics
of Living things. Inquiry into Life Chapter 1
Lecture 2: Basic chemistry; Biological molecules.
Inquiry into Life Chapter 2
Lecture 3: Cell structure; Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells; Cellular organelles;

Interested in Learning More? Try: BIOL114 Evolution and Biodiversity; BIOL115 DNA the Thread of Life
8

Week 2: CELLS IN ACTION

Lecture 4: Cellular organelles continued; Cell function; Cell membranes.
Lecture 5: Organisation of Cells into Tissues; Human organisation.
Lecture 6: Organisation of Cells into Tissues; Human organisation.

Interested in Learning More? Try: BIOL114 Evolution and Biodiversity; BIOL115 DNA the thread of Life;
BIOL208 Animal Structure and Function

Week 3: BODY BITS: METABOLISM & HUMAN ORGAN SYSTEMS

Lecture 7: Cell metabolism, Respiration and Photosynthesis.
Inquiry into Life Chapters 6, 7 & 8
Lecture 8: Cell metabolism, Respiration and Photosynthesis.
Inquiry into Life Chapters 6, 7 & 8
Lecture 9: Digestive System and Nutrition

Interested in Learning More? Try: BIOL208 Animal Structure and Function, BIOL246 Human Physiology

Week 4: GETTING IT TOGETHER: THE HUMAN INDIVIDUAL

Lecture 10: Urinary System and Excretion, Cardiovascular System.
Inquiry into Life Chapter 16, Chapter 12
Lecture 11: Respiratory system, Muscles and skeletons
Lecture 12: Nervous System and Senses.

Interested in Learning More? Try: BIOL208 Animal Structure and Function, BIOL 357 Physiology I.

Week 5: HORMONES, IMMUNITY AND REPRODUCTION

Lecture 13: The Endocrine System; Hormones, Steroids.
Lecture 14: The Immune System; Immunisation; Breast feeding.
Lecture 15: Mid Semester Test #1 (Internals) Based on Lectures Weeks 1 to 4

Interested in Learning More? Try: BIOL206 Genetics, BIOL208 Animal Structure and Function, BIOL 358
Physiology II, BIOL367 Immunobiology.

9

Week 6: LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND

Lecture 16: Cell Division; Mitosis and the Cell cycle, Meiosis and Fertilisation.
Lecture 17: Reproduction, Birth Control, Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
Lecture 18: Theories of Sexual Attraction, The Physiological basis of Love
Inquiry into Life Chapter 32 (part)

Interested in Learning More? Try: BIOL260 The Science of Sex; BIOL346 Reproduction, Health and Social
Issues

Week 7: THE BASIS OF INHERITANCE

Lecture 19: Answers to the Mid Semester test #1; Examples of short answer questions
similar to those in the final examination
Lecture 20: The molecular basis of Inheritance; DNA and the genetic code.
Lecture 21: DNA and the Genetic Code (continued), Protein Synthesis.

Interested in Learning More? Try: BIOL115 DNA the Thread of Life, BIOL206 Genetics

Week 8: WHEN IT GOES WRONG

Lecture 22: From Genes to Phenotype; Introduction to Genetics, Review of Meiosis.
Lecture 23: Chromosome Abnormalities and Genetic Diseases.
Lecture 24: Cancers: What happens at the Cellular and DNA level; What are the
predisposing factors, Familial and Environmentally induced Cancers. Inquiry into
Life Chapter 25. What happens as we age, Why do we have to die?

Interested in Learning More? Try: BIOL206 Genetics, BIOL260 The Science of Sex; BIOL345 Human
Genetics Theory

Week 9: DNA MANIPULATION, BIOTECHNOLOGY, BIODIVERSITY

Lecture 25: Gene cloning and Recombinant DNA technology.
Lecture 26: Genetically Modified Organisms; Cloning of Whole Animals.
Lecture 27: The Diversity of Living things; How many species are there?
Inquiry into Life Chapters 28 to 31
10
Interested in Learning More? Try: CBMS223/224 Introductory Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,
CBMS352 Molecular Biology; BIOL374 Biodiversity and Conservation

Week 10 HUMANS AND MICROORGANISMS

Lecture 28: A tour of diseases, New and Emerging Diseases, Antibiotic resistance
Lecture 29: The Normal Human Microbiota
Lecture 30: Microorganisms in the service of Humankind

Interested in Learning More? Try: CBMS215 Microbiology, BIOL368 Immunobiology

Week 11: SHARING THE PLANET: BIODIVERSITY

Lecture 31: Symbiosis, Cooperation between genes, cells, organs, species and ecosystems:
Gaia
Lecture 32: Human effects on the Biosphere, Past, Present and Future.
Inquiry into Life Chapter 33 to 36
Lecture 33: Understanding Evolution.

Interested in Learning More? Try: BIOL114 Evolution and Biodiversity, BIOL227 Ecology, BIOL334
Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics; BIOL261 Paleontology

Week 12: WHERE DID WE COME FROM?

Lecture 34: On the Origin of Life on Earth (and elsewhere)
Lecture 35: Comparative Genetics of the Great Apes; Evolution of Man, What makes us
Human?
Lecture 36: Mid Semester Test # 2 (Internals) Based on Lectures Weeks 1 to 10

Interested in Learning More? Try: BIOL114 Evolution and Biodiversity, BIOL227 Ecology, /-+BIOL368
Ecology and Evolution.

Week 13: REVIEW

Lecture 37: Answers to Mid Semester Test #2 / Spare Lecture slot
Lecture 38: Review of Course.
11
Assessment in this Unit

Assessment for this unit consists of a mixture of assignments, short tests and a final
examination. Submission of all assignments and completion of all tests is strongly
recommended, since failure to complete assessment tasks will make it difficult to pass the
unit. Students must receive a mark >50% to pass this subject.

Assessment at a glance

Task Weight Due Date Learning
Outcome
Graduate
Capabilities
Description
Writing
Task
2% 04-03-11 6-7 2-4 A 100-150 word statement on human
biology
Semester
Test 1
9% 23-03-11 1-4 1,4-5 A 50 minute Multiple Choice exam covering
the first 12 lectures
Semester
Test 2
9% 25-05-11 1-4 1, 4-5 A 50 minute Multiple Choice exam covering
all lectures
Essay 1

15% 01-04-11 1-7 1-5, 7 A 1500 word essay dealing with a
contemporary issue in human biology
Essay 2

15% 13-05-11 1-7 1-5, 7 A 1500 word essay dealing with a
contemporary issue in human biology
Final
Exam
50% t.b.d. 1-4, 6-7 1, 3-7 A 2 hour test on the unit content, containing
multiple choice and short answer questions

Writing Task is an early assessment task to introduce you to thinking about human
biology. This work is worth 2% of your total assessment. It will not be given a formal
mark if you hand it in on time, you get 2%, simple as that.

The writing task is to be a single paragraph, 100 to 150 words long, on the topic Why are
humans different from other animals? It should be written directly from your own
point of view. You do not need to consult any references, nor is a bibliography needed.
You do not have to have the biology correct, although this might help.

Semester Test 1 will cover material presented in weeks 1 to 4, up to lecture 12. The
test will be composed of multiple choice questions in a similar style to those used in the
Final Examination. Answers to questions will be entered on automatic marking sheets. It
is important that answer sheets are filled in correctly, or you may lose some of your
marks. Detailed instructions for the use of these answer sheets can be found on the
University Web at www.ics.mq.edu.au/~automark/Instructions/index.html

Test 1 will be of 50 minutes duration. Internal students will complete the test during the
last lecture of Week 5 (Wednesday 23
rd
March). External students will complete the test
during a weekend On Campus session (Saturday 26
th
March). The On Campus test for
externals will begin at 9 am in E7BT3. External students are then invited to assemble in
the Biology Garden (E8 courtyard) for coffee and a brief introduction to the Department.

Semester Test 2 will cover material presented in weeks 1 to 11. The test will be
composed of multiple choice questions in a similar format to those used in the Final
12
Examination. Again, answers to questions will be entered on automatic marking sheets,
and the test will be 50 minutes long. Internal students will complete the test during the last
lecture of Week 12 (Wednesday 25
th
May). External students will complete the test during
a weekend On Campus session (Sunday, 29
th
of May). The On Campus test for externals
will begin at 9 am in E7BT3. External students are then invited to assemble in the Biology
Garden (E8 courtyard) for coffee.

Essay 1 is a 1500 word essay.

Choose one of the following topics:
A: The origin of life on Earth (ideas on how the molecules, replicators and cells arose)
B: Assisted Reproductive Technology (the biological basis of assisted reproduction)
C: The cellular basis of cancer (what changes to DNA and cells lead to various cancers)

The essay assignment is designed to introduce you to finding biological literature,
understanding its content and arguments, and restating that information in your own
words. So choose a topic that interests you, and talk about it with me or with your fellow
students before you begin. You will need to carefully plan the essay, since fitting a
reasoned argument on these complex topics into the 1500 word limit will be difficult. A
word of warning: Plagiarism (copying material without alteration) will not be tolerated
and will result in a mark of zero for the essay (see attached document).

The essay should be typewritten and double spaced. It should not be more than 1500
words long. At least six references should be consulted, and these should not be from the
Internet, since the quality and accuracy of Internet sources is extremely variable. Internet
sources have not undergone peer review, and often contain misunderstandings, biased
viewpoints or outright lies. The references you can consult could include textbooks, edited
books or scientific journals. Copies of papers can be downloaded from the internet, but in
each case, these should have an identifiable author and a date of publication.

References should be cited within the text by name and date, eg: (Veritas 1999), naming
both authors where there are two authors, eg: (Veritas and Consequence 1998), or naming
the first author followed by et al. for multi-author papers, eg: (Lyes et al. 1999).
References should be listed in alphabetical order at the end of the essay, and are not to be
included in the word count. Please study the formats for referencing carefully. The format
for each type of reference you might use should be exactly as follows:

For a journal article:
Veritas, E. (1999) Response of carnivorous plants to tonal variation. Journal of Biology
and Jazz. 16: 33-45.
For a book:
Veritas, E. and Consequence, X. (1998) Practical Manual for Tuning Cicadas. Plectrum
Press, Newtown, Australia.
For a book of edited contributions:
Lyes, F., Damm, G., Lyes, H. and Statistick, S. (1999) Frequency detection and leg length
in purple Orthoptera. Pp. 23-41 In: The Music of Insects (Eds E. Veritas and X.
Consequence), Emma Press, Stoke on Trent, UK.

13
Essay 2 is a 1500 word essay.

Choose one of the following statements and comment on it:
A: Human populations are at risk from outbreaks of new diseases
B: Humans are causing the sixth mass extinction
C: Medical technology can have long term negative effects for human populations

The details of presentation are the same as for Written Assignment 1.

SUBMITTING YOUR ASSIGNMENTS: IMPORTANT

Assignment submission hard copy

Internal students should submit their assignments through the Faculty of Science student
assignment office on the first floor of E7A. Assignments are to be submitted by 9 am on
the date specified and must include a completed and signed cover sheet stapled to the front
cover. Assignment Cover Sheets can be downloaded from the web at
http://web.science.mq.edu.au/undergraduate_programs/current/assignments_and_covershe
ets/ Outside normal hours, an assignment collection box is available in the entrance of
E7A. External students should submit their assignments through the Centre for Open
Education (e-assignment or hard copy) following the instructions that they have supplied
to you at the start of semester. Late assignments will be penalised.

Assignment submission electronic copy

You must also submit an electronic copy of your assignment to the Turnitin Web site.
Turnitin will check your assignment for plagiarism. You must write your Turnitin
submission number onto your assignment cover-sheet. Your assignment will not be
marked if you have not submitted it to Turnitin.

Submitting Essays to Turnitin:
Log on to Turnitin (http://www.turnitin.com), and register as a user
You may do this from your own PC, a computer lab in biology, or using the student PCs
in Level 1 of the Library.
To create a new student account: go to the create account link and follow the prompts
to create a user profile for new students
You will need your University email address
Class ID = (3819350) password = (human)
Select user type student
Upload your assignment as per the instructions
A digital receipt will be generated. Please save a copy of it and add the Turnitin
submission number to your assignment cover-sheet
If you need assistance, please contact Student IT Help (02 9850 4357)
If you have any questions about privacy, security or these procedures, please contact the
Coordinator, Copyright and Digital Asset Management (02 9850 7578)
14
Checklist for written assignments (Important!!!)

Assignment is typewritten
Text is double spaced
Text is printed on a single side of the paper
Text is the required length (not including reference list)
Text has been proofread and/or spell-checked
References are reputable sources (not internet sites)
References are cited at appropriate points within the text
Formatting of references in the text and in the reference list is correct
Assignment is your own work not copied from reference sources or other students
Assignment has been submitted to Turnitin and the submission number recorded
Assignment submission sheet has been attached
Assignment submitted on time

Return of assignments

We endeavour to return essays within four weeks of the due date. We will let you know
when results are available via an announcement on Blackboard. Marked essays will be
available via the Faculty Assignment Office

Other material relevant to written assignments is attached

Standardised marking sheet for Essays in BIOL108 (see next page)

Note the criteria applied in assessing written assignments. These are the aspects of your
essay that will be used to mark your work. The descriptions at either end of the scales will
help you understand both the common errors and the attributes that make a good
assignment, and describe the skills we are helping you develop.

Information on requesting special consideration (see next pages)

Special consideration can be obtained where there has been unavoidable and unpredictable
interruption to your studies, such as sickness or accident. All applications for special
consideration or extension of a due date must be submitted through the Unit convenor in
the first instance. You need to contact the convenor as soon as possible, and within three
days of any missed tests and exams. You may need documentary evidence, such as a
doctors certificate.

Definition of Plagiarism and Departmental Policy on Plagiarism (see next
pages).

Plagiarism is theft of another persons writing, and will not be tolerated in this, or any
other Unit at this University. Heavy penalties may apply, including exclusion from further
study. Incidences of plagiarism will, in the first instance, require an interview with the unit
convenor, who may decide to pass the case on to University Disciplinary Committee.
15
ASSESSMENT SHEET FOR BIOL108 ASSIGNMENTS

Name:

These scales assess various aspects of your performance in the written assignment. Marks
to the right indicate a better performance in the stated objective.

Quality of Evidence

Written material failed to address the question

Written material fully addressed the question
Writing lacked continuity and coherence

Argument was logically developed
Poor structure, lacking appropriate subsections

Well structured essay, appropriate subsections
Inclusion of irrelevant material

Material presented was relevant to the topic
Superficial treatment of the topic

Critical, in depth analysis of the topic
Inadequate evidence presented

Strong examples and evidence presented

Written expression and presentation

Clumsily written, repetitive, wordy

Fluent and succinct writing style
Many ungrammatical sentences

All sentences grammatically correct
Many spelling errors

Correct spelling throughout
Incorrect use of punctuation

Correct punctuation throughout
Untidy presentation and difficult to read

Legible and well set out work
Unacceptably over or under length

Reasonable length

Referencing and sources

Inadequate number of references

Appropriate number of references
Reliance on unreviewed or Web sources

Appropriate peer reviewed sources
Inadequate acknowledgement of sources

Full acknowledgement of all sources
Incorrect or inconsistent referencing within text

Correct and consistent referencing within text
Errors or inconsistencies in reference list

Reference list correctly presented
Plagiarism of reference material

Rephrasing of material in own words

Additional Comments:

Final Mark:

This assessment sheet is based on one presented in:
Hay, I.H., Bochner, D. and Dungey, C. (1997) Making the Grade, Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
16
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY

PLEASE NOTE THAT AN ADEQUATE PERFORMANCE IN ALL
COMPONENTS OF A UNIT IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO PASS.

EXAMINATIONS

Students are directed to consult the "University Handbook" at the beginning of the year to
determine the commencement and finishing dates of both University examination periods in order
to ensure their availability to attend compulsory examinations. Failure to attend an examination
can only be explained within the definition of 'unavoidable disruption' which can be found in the
"University Handbook".

Useful information is available at: http://www.student.mq.edu.au/

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION REQUESTS

During Semester:

All requests for special consideration should be submitted through the Science Centre in the first
instance. http://web.science.mq.edu.au/undergraduate_programs/current/admin_central/

You must also provide your Lecturer with a copy of the documentation lodged at the Science
Centre when submitting assignments. We strongly recommend that you see your Lecturer or
Tutor on all such occasions to discuss the matter with her/him.

During Examination Period:

During the examination period, original requests for special consideration plus one copy can be
submitted to the Registrar and Vice-Principal, through the Academic Program Section, Level 4,
Lincoln Building. The copy will be forwarded to your Division of Registration which will in turn
forward it to the Department. Full details, instructions and forms, are available at
http://www.reg.mq.edu.au/Forms/APSCons.pdf.
As well as submitting the appropriate documentation through the Registrar and Vice-Principal's
Office, if you miss an examination, YOU MUST CONTACT YOUR LECTURER WITHIN 72
HOURS OF THE DATE OF THE EXAMINATION so that alternative examination arrangements
may be made without delay. Failure to do so will result in the award of an "F" grade. Requests
must be submitted with 5 working days of the affected task or examination date.

Please note that the submission of requests for special consideration is monitored by the
Department. Repeated requests will result in referral of the student to the Dean of Students for
discussion and advice.

Important information, including Undergraduate Student Forms and deadlines for submission, is
available at: http://web.science.mq.edu.au/undergraduate_programs/current/

17

SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENTS IN 2011

From 2009, internal students should submit their assignments via the relevant assignment box for
their unit, which will be located in the reception area of the Science Centre (Room 102, which is on
the ground floor at the western end of Building E7A). Campus maps are available at
http://www.ofm.mq.edu.au/maps_campus.htm . The Centre opens from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm
Monday to Friday. Assignments are to be submitted by 9 am on the date specified and must
include a completed and signed cover sheet stapled to the front cover. The Assignment Cover
Sheet can be downloaded from the web at
http://web.science.mq.edu.au/undergraduate_programs/current/assignments_and_coversheets/.
Marked assignments will be returned via the same office (or by mail for external students).

PLAGIARISM

The definition of plagiarism is available here.
http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
ALL (ie internal and external) students are requested to read the definition. If you are still unsure
about this issue, please see your Lecturer for further advice. When submitting an assignment, you
will be signing a statement confirming that you have read the information on plagiarism. In the
event that a Lecturer identifies a case of plagiarism, the University's procedures for suspected
cases of plagiarism will be followed by the Department. The procedures and penalties are
available for perusal at:
http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/schedule_penalties.html

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES RELATING TO THESE ISSUES, PLEASE CONTACT
YOUR LECTURER OR THE HEAD OF DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES.

Final examination

The final examination is 2 hours in duration and will cover all the material presented in the
Unit. No notes are allowed in the exam. Paper based translation dictionaries will be
permitted for students whose primary language is not English. Permission to use a
translation dictionary must be obtained prior to the Final exam period
http://www.reg.mq.edu.au/Forms/APSDict.pdf .

The exam will consist of a mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions. The
answers to the multiple choice questions will be entered onto an automatic marking sheet.
Short questions will be answered in a separate book. To pass the unit, you must obtain a
pass mark in the final examination.

The questions will involve an understanding of biological terms and structures. Questions
may also ask you to integrate information from different parts of the Unit, and to
demonstrate practical application of your biological knowledge to particular problems.
Some questions may ask you to use your critical judgment on various statements about
biological systems. Examples of both multiple choice questions and short answer
questions are available on Blackboard.

18
Lecture Notes and Textbook:
Lecture notes containing copies of material used in lectures will be available for
download as pdf files from Blackboard. I strongly recommend that you print out notes
before attending lectures.

The textbook for the course is:

Mader, Sylvia M. Inquiry into Life McGraw-Hill Publishers.
Any of the recent editions of this text are suitable (2004-2011). There is no textbook that is
entirely appropriate for this unit, but Inquiry into Life has a number of useful features that
are relevant to the general philosophy behind BIOL108. Almost any recent introductory
biology textbook can also provide useful background to this unit. Popular scientific
journals such as New Scientist and Scientific American contain articles written in a style
that is easy to read and understand. Such journals are a good source for summaries of
recent developments in human biology.

I suggest that anyone who wants a good and very readable overview of modern science,
including Biology, should read Bill Brysons A Short History of Nearly Everything
ISBN: 0552997048

Policies

Macquarie University is developing a number of policies in the area of learning and
teaching. Policies and guidelines can be found at http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/

This site contains documents outlining the university policy on
Assessment
Academic Honesty
Special consideration

As well as other policy documents as they are finalized.

Student feedback and Unit evaluation

This unit will provide you with written, online and verbal feedback on your assessment
tasks. To monitor and improve our teaching, we seek feedback from students, which is
then used to modify the unit content and presentation. Informal feedback is always
welcome, and in addition, we conduct formal unit and teacher evaluation surveys at the
end of each semester. These surveys are anonymous, and have in the past contributed to
Unit development through incorporation of students suggestions and comments.

Unit Outline BIOL 108 Human Biology: 3 Credit Points, D1, X1 and Xc1, Semester 1 2011

Загружено:

Сведения о документе

Оригинальное название

Авторское право

Доступные форматы

Поделиться этим документом

Поделиться или встроить документ

Параметры публикации

Этот документ был вам полезен?

Это неприемлемый материал?

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Unit Outline BIOL 108 Human Biology: 3 Credit Points, D1, X1 and Xc1, Semester 1 2011

Загружено:

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

1

Вам также может понравиться