Enrolments for 2020 have closed.
This subject requires on campus attendance. Refer to Additional Requirements for more information.
Organisms to Ecosystems
Undergraduate | MAQ-BIOX1310 | 2020
Course information for 2020 intake View information for 2024 course intake
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed,
- No prior study
- Duration
- 18 weeks
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Organisms to Ecosystems
About this subject
On successful completion, a student will be able to:
- Define evolution and describe its main mechanisms
- Define the major evolutionary transitions of organisms on earth
- Differentiate the main groups of organisms
- nterpret the evolutionary relationships between groups of organisms
- Contrast major ecological processes that drive evolution
- Describe global and continental biogeographic patterns
- Synthesise experimental results and information from the scientific literature to prepare a scientific report
- Demonstrate foundational learning skills including active engagement in the learning process
- 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
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%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
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- QS Ranking 2024:
- 10
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 10
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Additional requirements
- Attendance requirements - 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
- Other requirements -
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.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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