Faculty of Science,

Technology and Engineering

Biology 10F
Organisation and Function of
Cells and Organisms 2014

SUBJECT HANDBOOK
and
GUIDE TO PRACTICAL CLASSES
2014
Departments of Botany and Zoology, La Trobe University, Bundoora
i

Subject Timetable 2014

Week of
Semester
1
March 3 - 7
2
March 10 14
3
March 17 21

Lecture
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Topic

Lecturer

Introduction
Topic 1: Cells and cell evolution

ME

Prac 1: Lab Introduction

Bacterial and Eukaryotic Cells

Topic 2: Cell structures

ME

Topic 3: Proteins and Enzymes

ME

Prac 2: Cell Membranes

Group Learning Exercise (GLE):Essay
topics and preparation tasks handed out
WRITING WORKSHOP
GLE: Group discussion of topic

HOMEWORK

4
March 24 28
5
March 31 April 4

10
11
12
MSE

Associated Practicals

ME

Introductory Chemistry for Biology

To be read & completed before Prac 3
ANSWERS ON LMS
Prac 3: Enzyme Function

Topic 4: Nutrition and energy

Revision lecture

ME

MID SEMESTER EXAM

Thursday April 3rd, 1:00 pm

GLE: Submit essay preparation task

Prac 4: Biofuels and Yeast Fermentation
GLE: Essay preparation task feedback
Turnitin opens for initial submission of
essays

13
14
ME
GLE: Group Oral presentations
15
16
Topic 5: Genetics and Genomics
7
17
ME
Prac 5A DNA Isolation and Transformation
April 14 - 18
18
Good Friday
Part 1
University Break April 18-25 includes Easter, Semester 1 Vacation and ANZAC Day
6
April 7 - 11

8
April 28 May 2

19
20
21

9
May 5 - 9

22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33

10
May 12 - 16
11
May 19 - 23
12
May 26 - 30

Lecture 1
Lecture 2
Lecture 3
Lecturers:

ME
PP

Topic 6: Animal Histology

PP
Topic 7: Animal Physiology
PP
KR
KR
KR

Prac 5B: DNA Isolation and Transformation

Part 2
GLE: Submission of Final version (Hard
copy) of written essay
Prac 6: Animal Physiology Practical 1
Histological Techniques and Histology
Prac 7: Animal Physiology Practical 2
Early Embryology of Galeolaria
Prac 8: Animal Physiology Practical 3
Heart Rate in Daphnia
GLE: Return of written essay
Prac 9: Animal Physiology Practical 4
Thermoregulation in Simulated Animal

Exam revision lecture

Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Thursday
Friday
Friday

10:00 am
10:00 am
8:00 am
1:00 pm
8:00 am
12:00 noon

Agora Lecture Theatre

Western Lecture Theatre 1 (WLT 1, repeat of Tuesday lecture)
Agora Lecture Theatre
Agora Lecture Theatre (repeat of 8 am lecture)
WLT 1
WLT 2 (repeat of 8 am lecture)

ME: Dr. Michael Emmerling, Bundoora

PP: Dr. Peter Pridmore, Albury-Wodonga
KR: Dr. Kylie Robert, Bundoora

Practical Laboratories
Monday:
2:00 pm 5:00 pm (Group A)
Tuesday:
10:00 am 1:00 pm (Group B) and
Wednesday:
10:00 am 1:00 pm (Group D, TBC)

and

2:00 pm 5:00 pm (Group C)

2:00 pm 5:00 pm (Group E)

Major Subject Milestones 2014

SUBJECT DESCRIPTION
BIO1OF is a first year core biology subject that covers the fundamentals of living things. It is a prerequisite for most 2nd year biology subjects. Topics include the structure and function of cells and
organisms, and aspects of the functioning of the cells of bacteria, plants and animals. It includes
both a lecture and a practical component, and is conducted by staff from the Departments of
Botany and Zoology (Melbourne Campus) and Environmental Management and Ecology (AlburyWodonga Campus).

ACADEMIC AND SUPPORT STAFF

Subject Coordinator
Dr. Michael Emmerling (Department of Botany, Biological Sciences 1, Room 411; email:
m.emmerling@latrobe.edu.au, please include BIO1OF in the subject line; phone 9479 2221) is
the Subject Coordinator for BIO1OF. He is also in charge of the botany component of Biology
1OF and may be contacted for matters relating to the subject, including enrolment, advanced
standing, access to LMS or application for additional assistance.
Other Lecturers
Dr. Kylie Robert is in charge of the zoology component of Biology 1OF. Any queries relevant to
the course can be addressed to her. You will locate Kylie in Room 356 in Zoology or she can be
contacted by email (k.robert@latrobe.edu.au).
Dr. Peter Pridmore will contribute lectures to the Animal Physiology part of the subject via video
link from Albury-Wodonga. He can be contacted by email (p.pridmore@latrobe.edu.au).
Practical/Laboratory Coordinators
The Practical Coordinator for BIO1OF is Dr. Adele Harvey. She will be in all practical sessions to
deal with laboratory-related issues. Her office is located in the Biological Sciences 2 building,
Room 473 (4th Floor). She can be reached by email at a.harvey@latrobe.edu.au (please include
BIO1OF Practicals in the subject line) or by phone on 9479 2224. Her office is open during first
semester on Thursdays from 9 am 12 noon (or strictly by appointment at other times).

Dr. Michael Emmerling

Subject Coordinator
Lectures, Practicals

Dr. Kylie Robert

Lectures
Room 356, BS2
k.robert@latrobe.edu.au

Room 411, BS1

Phone 9479 2221
m.emmerling@latrobe.edu.au

Dr. Adele Harvey

Practicals

Dr. Peter Pridmore

Lectures
Albury-Wodonga

Room 473, BS2

Phone 9479 2224
a.harvey@latrobe.edu.au

p.pridmore@latrobe.edu.au

ASSESSMENT

One 1 hour, mid-semester examination

(Thursday, APRIL 3rd , 1:00 pm, location to be announced)
Practical assignments and tests
Group Learning Exercise (GLE)
One 2 hour end of semester examination
(This will take place during the end of semester exam period)

20%
30%
10%
40%

ASSESSMENT - EXAMS (60%)

Mid Semester (20%)
The mid-semester BIO1OF exam assesses only the first three Topics (i.e. Topics 1 - 3). It is in a
multiple choice format with 50 questions, and revision questions will be made available on the
LMS site. It will be held during the normal Thursday 1:00 pm lecture time slot on Thursday April
3rd. The locations for the mid-semester exam will be announced during lectures and on
LMS. Please note this time and date in your diaries.
End of Semester (40%)
The final BIO1OF exam is divided into 2 Sections, the Botany and Zoology components, with the
number of questions and corresponding marks being proportional to the number of lectures and
practicals. It is in a multiple choice format with 100 questions. It only assesses the material
covered in Topics 4 - 7 (i.e. it will not test material from the first three Topics of the subject).
Revision questions will be made available on the LMS site.
The End of Semester exam will be held during the end of semester exam period (09 June 2014
29 June 2014).
ASSESSMENT Group Learning Exercise (10%)
A written summary of a scientific paper, and observations. This task is held during the practical
sessions and covers a number of weeks (see timetable).
ASSESSMENT - PRACTICALS (30%)
Practicals are assessed in a combination of ways, including on-line pre-prac multiple choice tests
that cover the current weeks practical and associated lectures, and/or marking of a random
selection of your graphs or answer sheets. As there are 12 weeks of practicals, each practical
contributes 2.5%.
A. PRE-LAB ON-LINE QUIZZES:

Students need to undertake suitable preparation before commencing their laboratory session.

Each student MUST COMPLETE the on-line prelab quizzes BEFORE their weekly laboratory
session.

Quizzes will test material in both THE LAB NOTES and the associated LECTURES on that
lab days topic.

Students need to bring a PRINT OUT of their final prelab mark or access their final result on
their phones as proof they have completed this task.

THE RESPONSIBILITY IS YOURS to show that you have completed the prelab exercise.

The pre-lab on-line quiz print out (or other evidence) must be handed (shown) to your
demonstrator prior to the commencement of the lab class or no later than 10:05 am (morning
pracs) or 2:05 pm (afternoon pracs) sharp.

A mark of 10/15 or more is considered a PASS, a mark of 9/15 or less is considered a FAIL
and you must do the quiz again. You can attempt the quiz as often as you like until you pass
the quiz.

If you PASS the quiz you will get 5/5 for that days quiz, if you FAIL you will receive 0/5

If you DO NOT PASS THE QUIZ, if you are LATE, or if you do not have your quiz
results, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND THAT DAYS PRAC CLASS NOR
RECEIVE ANY MARKS FOR THAT QUIZ.

ACCESS TO ON-LINE PRE-PRAC QUIZZES (GO TO..)

LMS (Moodle).
2014 BIO1OF
PRE-PRAC QUIZZES AND GLOSSARIES

B. ASSESSED LAB MATERIAL

In most practicals you will also be assessed by a random selection of your questions, tables
or graphs from that days practical.

You must HAND IN the drawings/annotated photographs/graphs as requested by your

demonstrator BEFORE leaving the laboratory class.

You are expected to have SATISFACTORILY completed the practical by the end of the
session. You demonstrator must SIGN OFF your prac BEFORE you leave the lab. Your
demonstrator will check you have completed the questions, filled in any tables and graphs
etc. They will then sign your prac book and collect any material to be assessed in that prac.

If you leave early without being signed off you will get a ZERO for that days prac
assessment and an ABSENT for that days prac (your on-line quiz will still count).

It is expected that you will read through the prac and do as many questions/tables etc. prior to
attending the prac class that you can without having to see the practical material.
Topics covered during the practical work may also be assessed in the final theory exam.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of this subject, a student should be able to:

Distinguish and/or describe and discuss the morphological and metabolic features of different
cell types.

Distinguish and/or describe and discuss the biological and physical processes occurring in
different cell types

Distinguish and/or describe and discuss the morphology and associated functions of selected
animal organ systems.

Complete scientific experiments that examine aspects of cell biology, for example,
fermentation with yeast, and involve: interpreting data, recognizing methodological issues,
and identifying the theoretical basis for the experiment

Read, analyse and summarise a paper of scientific nature, and communicate the findings to
peers and supervisors.

Graduate Capabilities
This subject aims to develop skills and understanding specific for the study of cell biology and
physiology, and also develop generic skills, or graduate capabilities which can be applied to any
field of study:
Graduate Capability
Writing

Developed and assessed by

Group Learning Exercise: essay writing

Speaking

Group Learning Exercise: short oral presentation (5

10 minutes)
Group Learning Exercise: essay and oral presentation
Mid-semester exam, End of Semester exam, pre-prac
quizzes, in-prac activities
pre-prac quizzes, in-prac activities
Mid-semester exam, End of Semester exam, pre-prac
quizzes, in-prac activities
Group Learning Exercise: introduction to research
covering global literature

Inquiry/research
Critical thinking
Quantitative literacy
Discipline-specific knowledge and
skills
Essential: Global Citizenship

The graduate capabilities in bold will be formally assessed within the Group Learning Exercise in
BIO1OF to provide you with a snapshot of your performance. The assessment of graduate
capabilities is not linked to marks. There are only three possible results: Standard not met,
Standard met, and Standard exceeded. You will be given more detailed information on the
skills and knowledge you need to demonstrate once the Group Learning Exercise is underway.
More information regarding Graduate Capabilities can be found in Chapter 1 of the FSTE First
Year Survival Guide, latest edition.

LEARNING RESOURCES - LMS

Lecture notes will be available online via the BIO1OF Learning Management System (LMS).
Access to this material requires a valid LTU Student Username and Password, and current
enrolment in the subject. If you have difficulty accessing this material you should first ensure that
you are currently enrolled in BIO1OF by logging in to Student Online. Lecturers cannot assist with
password or enrolment issues.
The LMS pages also have revision materials including questions from past exams, links to other
readings, links to animations used in the lectures and discussion pages to ask questions and
discuss related topics. It contains a link to the practical/laboratory classes, and links to other
useful sites, including study skills, and support services.
Log in to the LMS at: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/lms/login/.

ORGANISATION AND TIMETABLE

Semester 1 begins on Monday, March 03. Last day of semester is Friday May 30.

Lectures:
Lecture 1

Tuesday
Wednesday

10:00 am Agora Lecture Theatre

10:00 am Western LT (WLT 1, repeat of Tuesday lecture)

Lecture 2

Thursday
Thursday

8:00 am Agora Lecture Theatre

1:00 pm Agora Lecture Theatre (repeat of 8 a.m. lecture)

Lecture 3

Friday
Friday

8:00 am WLT1
12:00 noon

WLT 2 (repeat of 8 a.m. lecture)*

Note that each lecture is delivered twice. Attend at least one of each of the three lectures per
week. In the first couple of weeks of the semester lectures are presented in additional venues via
videolink. Please check LMS for details.
*A mid-semester exam in week 5 will be conducted on Thursday April 3rd at 1:00 pm, in a
number of venues to be announced during lectures and on LMS. Students are advised to
plan their timetables accordingly. Students are strongly encouraged to attend all three lectures per
week.

Practicals:

Attendance at practical classes is a compulsory hurdle requirement. Please consult the

following web site for details: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/policy/documents/hurdlesprocedures-additional-supplementary-assessment.pdf. Each student is required to attend
one practical class each week.
If you miss a class you MUST attend another practical that week OR provide a medical
certificate (or documented evidence of other legitimate reason) to your demonstrator the
following week. Failure to comply will result in a mark of Absent for that practical. Students
absent from more than three practical sessions will not have satisfied the laboratory
attendance requirements for the subject and will be awarded a grade of F (Ungraded Fail).
Please consult with Dr. Harvey if you have missed more than three practicals. Practicals can
not be rescheduled or repeated.
You are able to choose your preferred practical session for BIO1OF (and some other subjects)
via WebTimetabler (http://wt.maths.latrobe.edu.au/wt/student), or you can register during
your preferred laboratory session in the first week. All practicals are in the LIMS First Year
Biology Teaching Lab on Level 2.

Practical classes for 2014 are scheduled at the following times:

Monday:
2.00 pm - 5.00 pm
Tuesday:
10.00 am. - 1.00 pm
and
2.00 pm - 5.00 pm
Wednesday:
10.00 am. - 1.00 pm (TBC)
and
2.00 pm - 5.00 pm
Please begin to attend laboratory sessions in the first week of semester.

University Holidays
Note that Labour Day, Monday March 10th, is NOT a University Holiday. BIO1OF practicals are
on as usual.

LECTURERS AND TOPIC OUTLINES

Dr. Michael Emmerling (ME) Botany Department
Dr. Kylie Roberts (KR)
Zoology Department
Dr. Peter Pridmore (PP)
Albury-Wodonga

Lecture
1
2-4

Lecturer
ME
ME

5-6

ME

7 - 10
11 - 15

ME
ME

16 - 19
20 - 22
23 - 33

ME
PP
KR/PP

Room 411
Room 353a

Biological Sciences 1, 9479 2221.

Biological Sciences 2, 9479 2238.

Topic
Welcome and Introduction
Topic 1: Cells and cell evolution (Archaea, Bacteria,
Eukarya)
Topic 2: Cell structures membranes, internal
structures, organelles
Topic 3: Proteins and enzymes
Topic 4: Nutrition and Energy, production of energy by
cells
Topic 5: Genetics and Genomics
Topic 6: Animal Histology and embryology
Topic 7: Animal Physiology

LECTURE NOTES
Lecture notes, as pdf files, will be made available via the LMS site, usually before the lecture.
They can be found by logging in to LMS at: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/lms/login/
Please note that the lecture notes do not always contain all the content presented during lectures we strongly recommend you attend all lectures and take notes. In case you miss a lecture due to

events not in your control you can access recordings of the lectures (covering the slides presented
during the lecture with the lecturers comments as audio) as Echo360 files via LMS. These
Echo360 files are also recommended for revision.

LABORATORY SESSIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Practicals begin in the first week of semester. The BIO1OF Laboratory Manual, laboratory coats,
safety glasses, calculators and dissection kits are available for purchase from the Co-op book
shop. Attendance at all practical classes is compulsory.
Please attend the same session each week. A transfer from one session or demonstrator to
another is subject to approval by the Laboratory Organizer. Practical classes are held in the LIMS
First Year Biology Laboratory, Level 2 and commence promptly at the times specified.

Repeating students
Exemption from laboratory practical classes is not automatic and will depend on previous
performance and other factors. Please contact Dr. Harvey (the Laboratory Organizer in the Botany
Department) to discuss possible arrangements. You will have to attend practicals until informed
otherwise.

PLAGIARISM
Please note that instances of Plagiarism will be taken very seriously by the Faculty and the
University. A summary of the University policy on Plagiarism is given below:
Plagiarism occurs when someone copies or reproduces another persons words or ideas and
presents them as his or her own without proper acknowledgement. There are many forms of
plagiarism, including the following:

direct copying of sentences, paragraphs or other extracts from someone elses published
work (including on the Internet and in software) without acknowledging the source;
paraphrasing someone elses words without acknowledging the source;
using facts and information derived from a source without acknowledging it;
using ideas directly derived from an identifiable author without acknowledging the source;
producing assignments which should be the students own, independent work in collaboration
with and/or using the work of other people (e.g. a student or tutor).

Assisting another person to plagiarise material may be punished as severely as is plagiarism

itself. Assisting plagiarism may involve a student lending work (or by posting it on the Internet for
sale) which is intended for submission for assessment, or which has already been submitted, so
that it can be copied and handed in by another student as that students own work.
Students may find it helpful to discuss assignments with other students and their tutors. The
University encourages students to communicate with one another in constructive ways about the
learning process. Students may choose to assist each other, for example in discussing the
approaches that might be taken to assignment topics, or helping with the availability of reading
materials. They should, however, write their assignments independently, except when they are
asked to work on a project as a member of a group which is to submit a joint report, as equal
contributors. In this case, except where the final written work consists of sections for which
particular individuals take sole responsibility, the group as a whole assumes responsibility for it
and the proper acknowledgment of any use made of the words or ideas of people outside the
group.

If you feel that you need assistance in referencing your assignments you should, in the first
instance, consult the First Year Survival Guide. If you still need assistance please feel free to
contact your lecturer or tutor.
Incidences of alleged plagiarism will be taken seriously by the Department and Faculty. You can
find documents relating to all Academic Integrity issues , including academic misconduct and
plagiarism at http://www.latrobe.edu.au/policy/academic, then Teaching and Learning/Wellbeing
and Integrity.

STUDENT EVALUATION OF SUBJECT AND TEACHING

We greatly value students feedback through the Student Feedback on Subject (SFSU) and
Student Feedback on Teaching (SFTE) surveys. These surveys are invaluable in improving the
subject and will be available as online activity, or handed out during pracs towards the end of the
semester.

FEEDBACK ON ASSESSMENT
Timely feedback will be provided on assessment, within two weeks of each piece of assessment
being submitted.

GETTING STARTED WITH LMS

Moodle (Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment) is an internet-based Learning
Management System (LMS) which allows you access to learning materials and activities related to
your studies from any location with internet access. Further information can be obtained here:
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/studentlmsinfo/
What do I need to use LMS:
Students will need:

a La Trobe University user name and password (printed on your Statement of Account);

one or more subjects in the LMS system;

a computer with internet access. On campus, students can connect to the internet via the
fixed workstations in any computer laboratory, the Library and Study Hall. Students who have
wireless-enabled laptops or tablets (e.g. iPad) can connect from any of the wireless access
points on campus. Off campus, students should connect to the internet via a subscription to
an Internet Service Provider;

a compatible web browser. These are: Firefox 4 or later, Safari 5 or later, Google Chrome 11
or later, Opera 9 or later, MS Internet Explorer 8.
To access your LMS Subject for the first time:
Having connected to the Internet, point your browser to:
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/
and select the Current Students option.

This will take you to the following page:

You can now select either Learning Management System (LMS) from the Students Tool section
(as indicated) or futher down the page from the Learning Resources section. This will take you to
the following page:

A final click will now take you to the log-in page to LMS (see below).
Logging in and The My LMS Page
At the La Trobe University LMS screen, log in to the LMS system by entering your User name and
Password. Your User name and Password are printed on your Statement of Account and are the
same as the User name and Password required for accessing your University email account.
We strongly recommend you bookmark the log-in page because frequent access to LMS is part of
the overall BIO1OF experience.

10

LMS enables you to do a variety of things like:

access subject content,

communicate with your lecturer, tutor and other students enrolled in the subject by discussion
and chat,

complete online quizzes and self-assessment activities,

submit assignments,

prepare individual and group online presentations using a wiki,

create a profile, and see who is in your subject and find out a bit about them from their
profiles,

conduct searches and use glossaries, and

view scheduled events using a subject calendar or upcoming events block

Ending a Session
You can log out of your LMS subject by selecting Log Out in the top right hand corner of your
screen.
Troubleshooting
Problem
Setting up my
computer to use
LMS
LMS Server is
unavailable
Unable to log in to
LMS
My subject is not
available in LMS

My LMS subject
contains no

Solution
Make sure you use a compatible web browser. These are: Firefox 4 or later,
Safari 5 or later, Google Chrome 11 or later, Opera 9 or later, MS Internet
Explorer 8.
From time to time LMS will be unavailable due to scheduled upgrades or
server maintenance. Under normal circumstances, this downtime will be
limited to non-teaching periods of the year. Announcements regarding any
system downtime will be made on the LMS log in page.
Check that you are using the correct authentication details (User name and
password) that are issued on your Statement of Account. Note: if you
change your password for any other La Trobe University system, this
change will be reflected in all University system.
Your access to your subject in LMS is restricted to teaching periods. If the
teaching period has commenced and your subject is still not listed contact:
Your Lecturer: Not all subjects have an online component in LMS and your
lecturer may have an alternative method of distributing study materials.
Your School/Department or Faculty Office: Check your Statement of
Account and contact an Administrative Officer to ensure that you are
correctly enrolled in the subject for the teaching period. Within 24 hours of
your enrolment being processed you will be able to access the subject in
LMS.
After you have checked with your Faculty and Lecturer and you are correctly
enrolled, contact:
Student IT Support:
Website: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/it
Freephone: 1300 786 535
Be prepared to supply the following information:
1.
Your Student Number and username (from your Statement of
Account)
2.
Your subject title and code (e.g. BIO1OF Organisation and Function
of Cells and Organisms)
3.
The name of your lecturer
4.
Which browser and browser version you are using (e.g. Internet
Explorer Version 7.0)
5.
Your location when you experience problems (at home, at uni)
6.
If you're at home, the name of your Internet Service Provider
7.
The exact text of any error messages
Some subjects have a range of material available in their LMS site while
some others may have little content or tools added by the lecturer. The

11

information.

subject material is typically made available as the semester progresses.

If you have been advised by your Lecturer to access subject information via
the LMS system and you can find no information in your LMS subject,
please contact your Lecturer.

File not found

If you select a link within your LMS subject then receive a message
indicating that the page or file cannot be found, contact your Lecturer and
request that the link be repaired.

LMS Help
Help guides and videos can be accessed via links in the Moodle Help box which (in the default
setting) should be located on the top right hand side of the My LMS web page. If you have trouble
getting onto LMS in the first place please refer to information available from here:
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/studentlmsinfo/
Netiquette
Netiquette is a term for standards which govern computer mediated communication. As
participants of online communication groups, that is, discussion, chat or email, all students are
expected to observe the Universitys Internet Code of Practice. So that all students may feel
encouraged to participate, rude, sexist or other disparaging comments are not acceptable.
Remember that discussion and chat postings can be read by all participants, and that some
people in the class may have very different backgrounds, customs and experiences to your own.
Student Tracking
The system automatically records every time you access a LMS subject, the amount of time
you've spent on the system and the amount of time youve spent using each tool. While there has
been some negative publicity on the use of certain software to obtain information about users on
the open web, please be assured that, in the context and environment of LMS, the only
information that's being recorded is your point of participation.

12

PRACTICALS - GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Practical Class Timetable and Venue
Your attendance at practicals in BIO1OF is required in the first week of the semester.
Practical classes for 2014 are scheduled at the following times:
Group A:
Group B:
Group C:
Group D:
Group E:

Monday:
Tuesday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Wednesday:

2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m (TBC)
2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.

You should attend the same session each week and you must select your preferred session by
following
the
instructions
from
the
WebTimeTabler
page,
at
http//wt.maths.latrobe.edu.au/wt/student. If you have a timetable clash and cannot attend your
preferred session, please contact the Laboratory Co-ordinator (Dr. Adele Harvey, Biological
Science Building 2, Room 473; a.harvey@latrobe.edu.au: Tel: 9479 2224) to apply for a transfer
to an alternative session.
2. Attendance
Attendance at practical classes is a compulsory hurdle requirement. Please consult the
following web site for details: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/policy/documents/hurdlesprocedures-additional-supplementary-assessment.pdf. Each student is required to attend one
practical class each week.
If you miss a class you MUST attend another practical that week OR provide a medical certificate
(or documented evidence of other legitimate reason) to your demonstrator the following week.
Failure to comply will result in a mark of Absent for that practical. Students absent from more
than three practical sessions will not have satisfied the laboratory attendance requirements for the
subject and will be awarded a grade of F (Ungraded Fail).
Please consult with Dr. Harvey if you have missed more than three practicals. Practicals can not
be rescheduled or repeated.
You are able to choose your preferred practical session for BIO1OF (and some other subjects) via
WebTimetabler (http://wt.maths.latrobe.edu.au/wt/student), or you can register during your
preferred laboratory session in the first week. All practicals are in the LIMS First Year Biology
Teaching Lab on Level 2.
3. Textbooks and References
The prescribed textbook for this subject is Biology, An Australian Focus (Fourth Edition)
(2010) by Ladiges et al., McGraw Hill, Sydney, which is available at the Co-op Bookshop. It is also
the prescribed text for BIO1AD. The previous editions of Biology (Third and Second Editions Knox, B., Ladiges, P., Evans, B. and Saint, R., McGraw Hill, Sydney) may be available secondhand, and are also largely suitable.
The Faculty of Science, Technology, and Engineering (FSTE) First Year Survival Guide 2nd
edition (Yucel, R., Blanksby, T. (eds.), 2012) is an essential and handy source of information for
everything that relates to learning at university.
4. Laboratory Equipment
You must bring the following equipment which is available from the University Bookshop:
Laboratory coat
Safety Glasses
A bound copy of this Practical Manual
Permanent marker pen
Lecture notes
Pens, pencils, eraser, ruler
Set of dissecting instruments, including
1 box (5) single edge razor blades
microscope slides and coverslips
Scientific calculator

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ATTENTION!!! Laboratory coats, safety glasses, FULLY enclosed footwear and a bound
practical manual are mandatory. You are expected to wear closed shoes at all times when
working in the laboratory, and laboratory coats and glasses are required to be worn whenever
handling chemicals/liquids in the labs. Students not wearing the appropriate safety equipment,
or without the practical manual, may be excluded from practical classes.
5. Exemptions for Repeating Practical Classes and Assessment of Practicals.
Repeat students wishing to be granted exemption from the practicals described in this manual
must seek permission to do so by contacting Dr. Adele Harvey. In general, repeat students who
have passed the practical component previously will be exempt from practicals if they have
satisfactory performance in a previous year.
6. Assessment of Practicals.
A.
Practicals will be assessed in a variety of ways. One is based on on-line pre-practical tests
(comprising a combination of multiple choice and/or glossary type questions) based on the content
of the weeks practical and associated lecture material on that days lab topic. These tests must be
handed in to your demonstrator prior to 10:05 a.m. or 2:05 p.m. depending on your practical
allocation. If you are late or do not have your quizzes results you will NOT be allowed attend
that days lab, and will NOT receive any marks for that weeks quiz. You are expected to have
read and understood the prac notes prior to attending.
B.
Other ways of assessment will be marking of a random selection of your graphs or answer
sheets that you generate during the prac.
7. Assessment of Group Learning Exercise.
In addition, the paper-based exercise Group Learning report will be assessed using a short oral
presentation and a short written exercise report.
8. Practical Coordinators
The Practical Coordinator is Dr. Adele Harvey. She will be in all practical sessions to deal with
laboratory-related issues. Her office is located in the Biological Sciences 2 building, Room. 473
(4th Floor). She can be reached by email at a.harvey@latrobe.edu.au (please include BIO1OF
Pracs in the subject line) or by phone on 9479 2224. She will attend to your enquiries as soon as
possible. Her office is open during first semester on Thursdays from 9 am 12 noon (or strictly by
appointment at other times).
9. Safety Procedures in the Laboratory
When working in a science laboratory there are strict behavioural codes that have been
established primarily to ensure the safety and welfare of both students and staff. Important areas
covered by these codes include:

protective lab coats must be worn at all times in the laboratory.

waste disposal sharp items such as glass slides, cover slips and razor blades are to be
disposed of in the special 'Sharps' bins provided.

be careful with the use of equipment such as microscopes.

take care with the use of chemicals, razor blades and glassware - report any accidents to
your demonstrator immediately.

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The Group Learning Exercise (GLE) is an integrated set of activities designed to give you an
GENERIC SKILLS AIMS:
Develop skills in reading scientific literature
Develop skills in inquiry/research
Develop skills in scientific writing, especially paraphrasing
Develop skills in oral presentations
TECHNICAL/SPECIFIC SKILLS AIMS:
Extension and revision of the material and concepts covered in the lectures
opportunity to explore a current issue in cell biology and to develop your information searching,
reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking skills.

Graduate Capabilities
This subject aims to develop skills and understanding specific for the study of cell biology and
physiology, and also develop generic skills, or graduate capabilities, which can be applied to any
field of study.
More information regarding Graduate Capabilities can be found in Chapter 1 of the FSTE First
Year Survival Guide, 2nd edition.

Those in BOLD are assessed in the Group Learning Exercise.

You will be given a GRADE on your capacity to do these 3 tasks.
You will also be given a MARK for the oral presentation and the written essay.
Graduate Capability
Writing

Developed and assessed by

Group Learning Exercise: essay writing

Speaking

Group Learning Exercise: short oral presentation

(5 10 minutes)
Group Learning Exercise: essay and oral
presentation
Mid-semester exam, End of Semester exam, pre-prac
quizzes, in-prac activities
pre-prac quizzes, in-prac activities
Mid-semester exam, End of Semester exam, pre-prac
quizzes, in-prac activities
Group Learning Exercise: introduction to research
covering global literature

Inquiry/research
Critical thinking
Quantitative literacy
Discipline-specific knowledge and
skills
Essential: Global Citizenship
Three parts to the GLE
1.
2.
3.
4.

Essay preparation task assesses inquiry/research

Oral presentation (2.5 marks) assesses speaking capability
Written essay (7.5 marks) assesses writing capability
The GLE is worth 10% of your total marks for the subject

2
Week
March
10-14th

GLE Timetable
Class Activity 1 introduction
Activity
Each student will be allocated one of three different essay
topics, A, B and C and a journal article (paper) relating to
their topic (available on LMS).15
Each student will need to find two more journal articles
relating to their topic and use these to complete the GLE
(accessed via LMS)

Assessment

3
March
17-21st
4
March
24-28th
5
March 31April 4

6
April
7-11th

8
April 28May 2nd

Class Activity 2 group discussion

Small groups of ~ 4 students, all with the same essay topic
and paper, will meet to discuss and clarify the main points
raised in the paper and discuss ways to approach the essay
topic and the oral presentation.
All students submit essay preparation task for their topic.
All students receive feedback on their essay planning task
Turnitin opens for initial submissions of essays
All students submit essay via TURN IT IN to check for
paraphrasing problems and plagiarism.
Students receive feedback on their similarity level (a
measure of the similarity between their essay and the
original source and/or other submitted essays) and
resubmit essay until similarity level is 20% or below
including references
Class Activity 3 oral presentation
All students give a 10 15 minute oral presentations on
their topic in groups of three students.
Each student in the group has a different topic, thus there
will be an A, B and C in each group.
Each student gives written feedback on the other students
oral presentations.
Submit HARD COPY of essay to demonstrator

2.5 marks
(assessed by
demonstrator on
the day)
7.5 marks

1.
A typed HARD COPY of the GLE essay
2.
Signed statement of authorship
3.
Similarity level report (20% or below)
4.
Essays without an attached similarity report WILL NOT
be accepted
The date the typed HARD COPY is handed to your
demonstrator will be considered the submission date

11
May
19-23rd

Late reports will be penalised

All students receive their essays with feedback and marks

1. Essay preparation task

You will need to fill in an essay plan (available on LMS in week 2).
By completing the essay preparation task, students will:

develop search strategies to find suitable sources of information. See the library website for
more help and information at: www.latrobe.libguides.com/libskills
demonstrate an ability to evaluate sources of information as suitable for use in academic,
scientific writing;
demonstrate an ability to paraphrase and summarise main ideas using correctly constructed
sentences and correct grammar, spelling and punctuation. See the FSTE First Year Survival
Guide p. 26 44 for more information about writing in an academic, scientific style and p. 59
61 for information about paraphrasing;

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be able to present references using APA style of referencing. See the FSTE First Year
Survival Guide p. 45 61 for information about referencing and APA style.

You will not receive summative assessment (i.e. marks) for your this task but you will receive
formative assessment (comments and suggestions for improvement).
2. Oral Presentation feedback (2.5 marks)
You will need to prepare and deliver a short (approx. 10 minute) oral presentation on your essay
topic. This will be delivered to two other students who had a different essay topic. The use of
visual aids such as diagrams, handouts, models, PowerPoint slides (if you have a laptop) is
strongly encouraged.
By completing the oral presentation task, students will:

demonstrate an ability to select the most important points related to their topic and present
them clearly so that other students can understand;
develop confidence in presenting ideas to an audience;
develop a good oral presentation style using appropriate body language and voice;
use visual aids effectively to convey information to an audience.

You will be directly assessed on your presentation by your demonstrator, and be given feedback
by the other two presenters in your group. This will be done using the forms in this manual.
3. Essay (7.5 marks)
The essay will follow the guidelines in the FSTE First Year Survival Guide p. 87 94. It must be
between 800 and 1000 words. You must look at the guidelines before you write your essay to
make sure you have covered all of the requirements. The submitted essay must be typed (not
hand-written) and should be 1.5 or double spaced.
You must hand in

Final Version of your Essay

Statement of authorship (stapled to the front)

Similarity report with a similarity less than 20% (including references)

You can also submit any additional material you have used in your presentation (notes,
handouts etc.).

Essays WILL NOT be accepted without a similarity report

17

By completing the essay, students will:

demonstrate an understanding of a current issue in biology;

demonstrate an ability to paraphrase and synthesise information from different sources and
use APA referencing style correctly;
demonstrate critical thinking skills in evaluating information and presenting a reasoned
response to the essay question;
use an academic, scientific style of writing with correct grammar, punctuation and spelling.

Late essays: Marks will be deducted per day late, unless a medical certificate is supplied. Late
essays must be placed in the box outside Room 473, Biological Sciences Building 2, and will be
collected daily.

GLE LATE SUBMISSION POLICY

For individual assessment tasks penalties for late submission shall be 5% of the total possible
marks for that task for each delay in submission of a day or partial day up to a maximum of five
(5) working days after the due date.
Assessment tasks will not be accepted after the earlier of the following occurrences:
the fifth (5th) working day after the due date; or
feedback on the assessment task has been returned to any student by the Teaching Team
member.
Saturdays, Sundays, University Holidays and Public Holidays are not included in the day
count.
A formal application for an extension of time may be made by an individual student in the event
of extenuating circumstances such as illness, injury or other circumstance. This application
must normally be made at least three (3) days prior to the submission date for the assessment
task. The Late Submission of Assessment Tasks Policy and these Procedures then applies to
the revised date approved by the member of the Teaching Team.

FAQs
I did not submit my essay via TURN IT IN. and do not have a similarity report
Essays will not be accepted without a similarity report

I submitted to TURN IT IN. but it was very slow and I did not get a similarity report by the
time the essay was due.
You will need to submit your essay to TURN IT IN at least 4 days prior to your due date as it may
take 2-3 days to provide a similarity report at busy times. You cannot submit your essay without a
similarity report. Submit these 2 when you have them both - but you will lose marks for any days
late

It says to hand the report in during lab class. What happens if I attend another prac
session that week ?

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You can attend another class that week but if you attend a prac on a later day your report will
be considered late and you will lose 5% for every day late.
This applies only up to 5 working days late after which you will not be able to hand the report
in without prior approval from the lab co-ordinator (ADELE HARVEY) (see above).
For example, you are in the Monday pm lab class and submit your report in the Tuesday am
prac you will lose 5%.

It says to hand the report in during lab class. What happens if I am sick that week ?
You can attach a medical certificate the hard copy of your report and put it in the filing cabinet
outside room 490 Biological Sciences 2 building. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT TIME YOU
ARE IN PRAC TO HAND THE GLE REPORT IN.
For example - If you have a medical certificate covering the same number of days as your
report is late then there will be no late deduction made, but you need to attach the medical
certificate (or a copy) to your report. If the medical certificate is for one day and your report is
two days late, then a one day deduction will be made.

I finished the report but couldnt print it because the printers in the library/student hub
werent working. Can I submit the report after the lab class without a deduction?
Computer and printing problems will not be considered as valid excuses for lateness. If you leave
it until just before the lab session to print and then there are printing problems, that is a risk you
took and you will lose 5% per day (or part thereof) for late submission.

I finished/almost finished my report last night and my computer died. Can I have an
extension?
For all assessment tasks requiring word processing you should always have a back up on a
USB/another area so that there is a copy you can work from. You will not get an extension to the
due date.

How do I submit a report after the due time/date?

1. Submit a hardcopy of your report (attaching a completed and signed statement of authorship
and similarity document) in the filing cabinet outside room 490 Botany department (Biol Sci 2
building), use the BIO1OF report slot. The box will be cleared each day. Late deductions will be
made as outlined above.
2.

Also submit an electronic copy via TURN IT IN.

3.

The date the HARD COPY is handed in will be considered the submission date.

Can I email my late report to my demonstrator/lab coordinator/subject coordinator?

19

1. Yes, after prior consultation with these people. The report will be considered unsubmitted
unless a confirmation of receipt is sent/returned to you via email it is your responsibility to
ensure the correct email address and keep the confirmation.
2.

Also submit an electronic copy via TURN IT IN.

I know in advance that I cant make my usual lab session. How do I submit my report?

If you are coming to an earlier lab session then submit your report to the demonstrator
you have that day.
If you will be coming to a later session then your report still needs to be submitted by your
usual lab session start time.
If this is not possible you need to contact the lab coordinator, Adele Harvey before the
due date/time to fill in an extension form.

What is the latest I can submit my report?

Reports will be accepted up until the 5th working day (not including days covered by a medical
certificate) after the due date/time, as long as marked reports have not been returned to any
student.

I have had an extended period of illness (or other extenuating circumstances) and have
been unable to finish the report. What should I do?
You need to contact Adele Harvey or Michael Emmerling (M.Emmerling@latrobe.edu.au) before
the due date/time to discuss your situation.

20