Organisms to Ecosystems

• • Welcome to Biology
  • Life as we know it
  • Evolution and genetics
  • Species, speciation and sources of genetic variation
  • Cells, prokaryotes and eukaryotes
  • Phylogenies, nutrition and the left wall of life
  • Fungi
  • Plants as multicellular organisms
  • Animals and their interaction with plants
  • Reproduction and development; Animal Diversity
  • Behaviour, Ecology and Distributions
  • Population, community and ecosystems ecology

No eligibility requirements

Special requirements

• AttendanceDetails - The practical classes for this subject are held over four days at the Macquarie University campus in North Ryde (Sydney, NSW). On campus Sessions 1 & 2 will take place on the 4th & 5th of April 2020 On campus Sessions 3 & 4 will take place on the 16th & 17th of May 2020
• OtherDetails -

  Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA subjects offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in subjects through OUA will be withdrawn.

This subject introduces students to the essential concepts in current biology. BIOX1310 builds on the laboratory, statistical and communication skills obtained in BIOX1610. BIOX1310 forms the first step for students pursuing a career in the biological sciences, and provides a basis for students in other disciplines who wish to maintain an interest in this dynamic field. The theme of this subject is evolution. The first part of the subject is concerned with the origin of life and discusses current theories on how life may have arisen on a previously lifeless planet. We discuss evolutionary theory in detail including some of the genetic principles that underlie evolution. In the second part we introduce the major groups of organisms examining their diversity and how they function. In the final part we discuss the ecological interactions between organisms from the small scale to global patterns. Throughout the subject, these core concepts are illustrated with examples from current research. BIOX1310 is designed as a companion subject to BIOX1110 in Session 2 and requires attendance at on-campus sessions.

Participatory task: Participation in practical classes held over four days at the Macquarie University campus in North Ryde.

• Participatory task (%)
• Midsemester test (15%)
• Research Report (25%)
• Online Quizzes (10%)
• Final Invigilated Exam (50%)