CQUniversity Unit Profile
BIOL40108 Introductory Biology
Introductory Biology
All details in this unit profile for BIOL40108 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
Corrections

Unit Profile Correction added on 24-02-25

In the Schedule, "Quiz 4 (5%) Due: Week Review/Exams Monday (10 June 2025) 11:55 pm AEST" should read, "Quiz 4 (5%) Due: Week Review/Exams Tuesday (10 June 2025) 11:55 pm AEST".

General Information

Overview

This unit prepares students for university study in the environmental, biomedical or life sciences. Students will gain an introductory understanding of the main concepts in modern biology, particularly as they relate to humans. This unit covers a range of topics including cell theory, organ systems, genetics, taxonomy, ecology and environmental science.

Details

Career Level: Non-award
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2025

Online

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Non-award unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 20%
2. Portfolio
Weighting: 40%
3. Portfolio
Weighting: 40%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Unit Coordinators

Feedback

Include biological demonstrations relevant to weekly topics to increase engagement.

Recommendation

Source biological equipment/materials to enable demonstrations.

Feedback from Unit Coordinators

Feedback

Need to increase technology-enhanced learning resources in support of listening and speaking skills.

Recommendation

Use audio tools and H5P software to create additional study tools for students.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Identify the fundamental principles of cell biology and their relevance to broader concepts related to human biology
  2. Describe how biological systems interact with their environments
  3. Apply foundational scientific process skills to explore and interpret biological concepts.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20%
2 - Portfolio - 40%
3 - Portfolio - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - Self Management
2 - Communication
3 - Information Literacy
4 - Information Technology Competence
5 - Problem Solving
6 - Critical Thinking
7 - Cross-Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical Practice
9 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Introductory Biology

Edition: 8 (2025)
Authors: School of Access Education
CQUniversity Publishing Unit
Rockhampton Rockhampton , Qld , Australia
ISBN: Not applicable

Additional Textbook Information

The study guide for Introductory Biology (BIOL40108) is available on the unit Moodle site as a single downloadable PDF file. The study guide cannot be purchased from the CQUniversity Bookshop. If you choose to print the study guide, your Access Coordinator can provide you with advice on printing options.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Access to a computer is recommended
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Kerry Bond Unit Coordinator
k.bond@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 10 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Module 1

Living organisms & levels of organisation

Chapter

1

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 17 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Module 2

Biological molecules

Chapter

2

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 24 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Module 3

The cell: the building block of life

Chapter

3

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 31 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Module 4

Homeostasis

Chapter

4

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 1 (5%) Due: Week 4 Monday (31 March 2025) 11:55 pm AEST

Week 5 Begin Date: 07 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Module 5

Cell membranes

Chapter

5

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 14 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 21 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Module 6

Genetics: DNA structure & function

Chapter

6

Events and Submissions/Topic

Portfolio A Due: Week 6 Tuesday (22 Apr 2025) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 7 Begin Date: 28 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Module 7

The cell cycle; cell division; heredity

Chapter

7

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 2 (5%) Due: Week 7 Monday (28 Apr 2025) 11:55 pm AEST

Week 8 Begin Date: 05 May 2025

Module/Topic

Module 8

Cell differentiation & tissues

Chapter

8

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 12 May 2025

Module/Topic

Module 9

Organ systems & the skeletal system

Chapter

9

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 19 May 2025

Module/Topic

Module 10

Taxonomy, evolution & diversity

Chapter

10

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 3 (5%) Due: Week 10 Monday (19 May 2025) 11:55 pm AEST

 

Week 11 Begin Date: 26 May 2025

Module/Topic

Module 11

Ecology

Chapter

11

Events and Submissions/Topic

Portfolio B Due: Week 11 Monday (26 May 2025) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 12 Begin Date: 02 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

Module 12

Environmental science & sustainability

Chapter

12

Events and Submissions/Topic

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 09 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 4 (5%) Due: Week Review/Exams Monday (10 June 2025) 11:55 pm AEST

 

Exam Week Begin Date: 16 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

The Unit Coordinator for this term is:
Ms Kerry Bond, k.bond@cqu.edu.au, +61 7 4940 7511, Building 6/G25, Mackay Ooralea Campus.
If you have Apple iBooks, it is recommend that you download the free eBook 'E. O. Wilson's Life on Earth', but it is not necessary for successful completion of the unit.

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Online Quizzes

Task Description

This assessment is made up of 4 quizzes designed to evaluate your understanding of the content from weekly modules in the Study Guide and the Learning Journal. Each quiz is worth 5% and is time limited to 30 minutes. These quizzes contain a range of question types such as multiple-choice, short answer and drag and drop questions. You should refer to the unit notes while completing the quiz, but you should not search the internet for answers. Quizzes become unavailable after the due date unless an extension has been granted.


Number of Quizzes

4


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Quiz 1 by 11:55 pm AEST Monday 31 March 2025 (Week 4); Quiz 2 by 11:55 pm AEST Monday 28 April 2025 (Week 7); Quiz 3 by 11:55 pm AEST Monday 19 May 2025 (Week 10); Quiz 4 by 11:55 pm AEST Tuesday 10 June 2025 (Review/Exam Week).


Return Date to Students

Interim results of quizzes are provided immediately after submission and checked manually within 2 weeks of the due date.


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

You are required to identify the fundamental principles of cell biology and their relevance to broader concepts related to human biology. You will be assessed on your ability to:

  • accurately identify biological concepts and terms, and
  • accurately apply biological knowledge to relevant contexts.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Identify the fundamental principles of cell biology and their relevance to broader concepts related to human biology

2 Portfolio

Assessment Title
Portfolio A

Task Description

Portfolio A is designed to support your learning of the material in each of the modules, to cultivate your scientific inquiry skills, and to provide you with an opportunity to apply your developing biological knowledge and skills to real-world contexts. There are two parts to Portfolio A: Module Tasks 1-4, and a draft infographic. 

Module Tasks 1-4

Module Tasks 1-4 are comprised of series of weekly tasks that require you to answer set questions, summarise what you have learned, describe how the new knowledge connects to previous content and real world applications, draw visuals including diagrams, sketches or images that help illustrate biological concepts, and reflect on your learning. Details of Module Tasks 1-4 are provided on Moodle.  

Draft Infographic

This part of the portfolio requires you to construct an infographic that uses accurate and relevant information to demonstrate your understanding of the link between cells (structures, processes and/or differentiation) and a broader biological context. Your infographic will be guided by prompts on Moodle, your Study Guide, Learning Journal and additional research material from high quality resources such as textbooks or peer-reviewed journals related to the content from Modules 1-4. You are required to identify key points, facts and data essential to the topic and include these in your infographic. This task is designed to deepen your understanding of how biological ideas are connected and develop your scientific communication skills. (Note that this is the first version of your infographic. The final version will be submitted as part of Portfolio B.) 

Infographic design & content: 

  • Include a title that clearly states the topic of the infographic.
  • Decide on the layout of sections and how the information will be best presented to clearly communicate your research.
  • Use a combination of text, images, icons and/or charts to present the information clearly. 
  • Provide concise explanations and definitions of key terms.
  • Use bullet points, short paragraphs and labels to make the information easy to comprehend.
  • Include references on the infographic to acknowledge the sources of information.
  • Use graphic design tools in software such as Canva, PowerPoint or Word to create your infographic. 


Assessment Due Date

Week 6 Tuesday (22 Apr 2025) 11:55 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 8 Tuesday (6 May 2025)

This assessment is returned two weeks after the due date or two weeks after the submission date, whichever is later.


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

You will be assessed on:

  • the quality of learning evidenced in the learning journal
  • progressive building of ideas for the infographic, demonstrating ongoing learning and the ownership of work
  • evidence of research skills, using high quality resources
  • reflective skills for analysis, evaluation, and planning to effectively communicate scientific ideas.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Online, through Moodle.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Identify the fundamental principles of cell biology and their relevance to broader concepts related to human biology
  • Describe how biological systems interact with their environments
  • Apply foundational scientific process skills to explore and interpret biological concepts.

3 Portfolio

Assessment Title
Portfolio B

Task Description

Portfolio B is designed to further support your learning of the material in each of the modules, to cultivate your scientific inquiry skills, and to provide you with an opportunity to apply your developing biological knowledge and skills to real-world contexts. There are three parts to Portfolio A: Module Tasks 5-9, infographic (final) and a recorded presentation (3-5 minutes). The elements of Portfolio B are detailed below, and further guidance is provided on Moodle.

Module Tasks 5-9

Module Tasks 5-9 are comprised of series of weekly tasks that require you to answer set questions, summarise what you have learned, describe how the new knowledge connects to previous content and real world applications, draw visuals including diagrams, sketches or images that help illustrate biological concepts, and reflect on your learning. Details of Module Tasks 5-9 are provided on Moodle.  

Infographic

You are required to incorporate feedback from the draft infographic you submitted in Portfolio A to continue to refine your inforgraphic. Your infographic should include accurate and relevant information about the link between your knowledge of cells (structures, processes and/or differentiation) and a broader biological context. 

Recorded presentation (3-5 minutes).

Record yourself presenting an analysis of your infographic's content, discussing key ideas, how they are connected, and the meaning and relevance of any visual elements to the overall topic. You should also highlight any changes you have made to the infographic in response to your marker's feedback since your submission of Portfolio A. The infographic must be used as a visual aid in some way during the presentation. The presentation should be approximately 3-5 minutes in length. 


Assessment Due Date

Week 11 Monday (26 May 2025) 11:55 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Review/Exam Week Monday (9 June 2025)

This assessment is returned two weeks after the due date or two weeks after the submission date, whichever is later.


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

You will be assessed on:

  • the quality of learning evidenced in the learning journal
  • progressive building of ideas for the infographic, demonstrating ongoing learning and the ownership of work
  • evidence of research skills, using high quality resources
  • the ability to respond to feedback to refine and improve scientific work
  • oral presentation skills, including the use of analytical skills to support the effective communication of scientific ideas.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Online, through Moodle.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Identify the fundamental principles of cell biology and their relevance to broader concepts related to human biology
  • Describe how biological systems interact with their environments
  • Apply foundational scientific process skills to explore and interpret biological concepts.

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?